On anger and murder

This is one of those articles that I'd rather not write.
But, given some of the things I have found out, recently, I feel like this is important.
We're going to talk about murder.
Let's go to the good book for this one (as we usually do).
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)
“You shall not murder” (Deuteronomy 5:17)
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment'. But, I say to you, that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says 'You fool'! will be liable to the hell of fire”. (Matthew5:21-22).
Now, this is a lot to unpack. I intentionally used a version of The Bible that said “murder” and not “kill”. “Murder” is probably a better translation, as the Old Testament had the death penalty.

(Before we go any further, be sure to check out my previous article, here; Jesus, divine physician, and my latest on Locals, here; Coffee and Christianity: Episode 71: Bearing false witness)
Now, does this mean that all anger is wrong as Jesus equates it with murder?
No, because murder is a sin, and he is like us in all things but sin. (Hebrews 4:15).
And Jesus himself got angry (Matthew 21:12-13, among many other places).
But it does tell is one thing, that is ITSELF, in The Bible. What is that? Let's look at what Jesus says comes out of man's heart.
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”. Matthew 15:19.
And, that's the thing, so many people act on emotion. And, out of that, you get all those bad things. I know people say “follow your heart”.
DON'T DO THAT! (Jeremiah 17:9).
Sometimes, people do get angry, they want to take someone's life. I think y'all reading this know this, but DON'T DO THAT.
And look, I'm not saying never get angry (I know I do). But, if it's ever to the point you want to hurt someone else, STOP, think about it, and walk away. Life is irreplaceable.

*All verses from  ESV Catholic Edition with Deuterocanonical Books, Copyright 2017 by Crossway 

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, news, and whatever community on Locals, as well as the host of the weekly Bible study, Coffee and Christianity