by Mike Bennett

The Day of the Lord is the “great day of His wrath” (Revelation 6:17). Unlike human anger, God’s anger is never out of control or vindictive. But why is He angry? Because of sin—the breaking of His good and beneficial commandments. And one of the major sins, which is also a root of many other sins, is pride. The archangel Lucifer rose up in pride and rebelled against his Creator (Isaiah 14:13-14), and his attitude has permeated human society as well.

Consider from God’s perspective the audacity of His weak and ignorant human creation thinking we know better than God! The apostle Paul described God’s anger at men who thought themselves to be wise: “Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22).

Paul described their ungodly actions in detail and concluded that even though they knew “the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (verse 32).

Paul also listed the attributes of humanity under Satan’s influence in these perilous last days: “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2).

A proud and haughty person cannot be taught and does not recognize the evil results of his or her way. Arrogance prevents us from learning the way that would truly bring peace and happiness.

So God’s anger is for the purpose of bringing humanity to its senses, so that finally we will see clearly that His way is the best way after all and repent.

For more about pride, see “Overcoming Pride,” “First Commandment: You Shall Have No Other Gods” and “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.”