Sinful, lustful, undisciplined anger damages the offender more than anyone else. However, the legitimate, righteous wrath of a superior justly consumes those to whom it is justly directed. We should not fear childish uncontrolled outbursts of anger, but we should fear the principled wrath of a magistrate (Romans 13:1–5). There is, of course, a way to be at peace with those in authority over us, especially with the one King who matters above all. When we enjoy a vital and continual peace with God through Christ (Romans 5:1), we stand and serve in grace, and receive not consuming wrath, but new and refreshing mercies each day (Lamentations 3:22–23).
12 A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.