Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 4:26

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:" — Ephesians 4:26 (ASV)

A quotation from Ps 4:4 introduces the next admonition: “In your anger do not sin.” The meaning is, “Do not let your anger be mixed with sin.” There is such a thing as righteous indignation, for anger is ascribed to God and to Jesus. Thus it is also legitimate for Christians to express anger. But it can easily degenerate into bitterness—hence, the appended prohibition. Under the Mosaic law all sureties were to be returned and all wages paid before sunset (Dt 24:13, 15). A Christian’s exasperation or provocation, however justifiable, must not be allowed to simmer overnight.