31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
wrath,
“Wrath” is outbursts of anger, a rage against others. “Wrath” comes from the word to burn. This is a person who breaks out with anger over slight offense. This is strong antagonism toward others. A person of “wrath” is a hot-tempered person. His pent-up wrath explodes towards others.
anger,
“Anger” is settled anger in the soul. This is a lasting resentment toward someone that manifests itself in chronic behavior. Anger also includes the idea of directed anger against someone.
The difference between permitting anger in verse 26 and forbidding anger here is that one is subjective and the other is objective anger. Anger is appropriate in an objective circumstance where it is for the good of someone else. It is not appropriate in situations that originate in our subjective personal interests.
clamor,
This is the only place in the Bible where the Greek word for “clamor” occurs in the New Testament. It involves hollering or raising our voice against another. “Clamor” is shouting or loud contention among individuals. This is public outburst of strife with others. People in this situation assert their so-called “rights” at each other.
and evil speaking
“Evil speaking” is slander, the defamation of others. It is to cast of aspersions on others. This Greek word is the word for blasphemy. The child of God is not to slander or gossip about others. We must check the facts. “Who originated this thought? Was it factual or fictional?” Sometimes we gossip in a spiritual way: “Please pray for sister Suzie, she might have had an affair with…” How we do know this? Is it true? We cannot violate someone’s reputation on a rumor. This is how rumors grow and become distorted.
be put away from you,
The Greek indicates that God expects us to put away these sins decisively (aorist imperative). The Greek also indicates that we are to allow God to do this for us (passive voice).
with all malice.
“Malice” is the desire to hurt others, ill will toward others. “Malice” is the summary of all the other vices listed in this verse.
PRINCIPLE:
Sins of attitude destroy relationships among Christians.
APPLICATION:
Sins of relationship among Christians put a pock on our testimonies. Instead of having ill will toward other Christians, we are to have goodwill. We develop a bitter attitude by constantly allowing hurt feelings to dwell on our minds. We dwell on injuries from others. To nurse a grievance is to put us into a terrible state. Grievances can be real or imaginary.
