Foreword:
The following exerpt is taken from The Ten
Commandments by Arthur W. Pink
(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)
In this blog series I will work through this very
important article a paragraph at a time – asking my reader comprehension style
questions at the end. I have been much convicted by the writings of Pink and I
pray your walk will also be strengthened meditating on his teaching of
scripture …
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT PART IV
The murdering of another is a most heinous crime. It
torments the conscience of its perpetrator with fearful affrights, so that
often he gives himself up to justice. Those who are accessories are also guilty
of murder, such as those who commission it to be done (2 Sam. 11:15; 12:9), or
consent thereto (as Pilate), or conceal it (as in Deut. 21:6, 7, by clear
implication).
This Commandment not only forbids the perpetration of
murder, but likewise all causes and occasions leading to it. The principal of
these are envy and anger. Envy has been well described as "the rust of a
cankered soul, a foul vice which turns the happiness of others into our own
misery." Cain first enviously repined at the success of his brother's
sacrifice, and this quickly prompted him to murder. So too unjust and inordinate
anger, if it be allowed to lie festering in the heart, will turn into the venom
of an implacable hatred. Such anger is not only a cause, but it is actually a
degree of murder, as is clear from the teaching of Christ in Matt. 5:21, 22.
It should be pointed out that anger is not, as envy, simply,
and in itself, unlawful. There is a virtuous anger, which (so far from being
sin, is a noble and praiseworthy grace, see Mark 3:5). To be moved with
indignation for the cause of God when his glory is degraded, His name dishonored,
His sanctuary polluted, and His people vilified is a holy anger. So there is an
innocent and allowable anger when we are unjustly provoked by offenses against
ourselves, but here we need to be much on our guard that we "sin not"
(Eph. 4:26). A vicious and sinful anger, which darkens the understanding and
makes one act as in a frenzy, is one which is without cause and without bounds.
Jonah 4:1 gives an illustration of a groundless anger. Anger is immoderate when
it is violent and excessive, or when it continues to boil. "Let not the
sun go down on your wrath" (Eph. 4:26); if it does, the scum of malice
will be on your heart next morning!
1) In your own words clarify the difference between good and
bad anger. How is this a matter of the heart and intent?
2) Is there a possibility for good envy?
3) Since murder is forbidden – how do you think we
should approach games, movies, books and other modern media that glorifies,
celebrates, encourages, fantasizes (first person shooter games for example) or
excuses murder and murderers?
