THEOSISJohn Cassian
We must learn to control our impulses of anger and, through wise discernment, keep it in check. This prevents us from being swept away by impulsive wrath, which is condemned by Solomon: The fool unleashes his anger, while the wise individual exercises restraint. The fool is consumed by the desire for revenge, whereas the wise person manages and dispels that anger through thoughtful reflection and self-control.
We must exercise restraint over our feelings of anger and, with the help of discernment, temper them to avoid being swept away by sudden outbursts of rage, which Solomon cautions against: "The fool gives full vent to his rage, but the wise person holds it back" (Proverbs 29:11). This suggests that while the ignorant may become consumed with the desire for vengeance, the wise individual employs mature judgment and self-control to quell such emotions (Rom. 12:19). In other words, dear friends, refrain from allowing anger to drive your pursuit of revenge; rather, give space for wrath.
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Your hearts should not be tightly constricted by impatience or fear, which would prevent you from withstanding the fierce tempests of indignation when they arise; instead, expand your hearts, embracing the turbulent waves of anger within the vastness of love that covers and endures all. Thus, your spirit, enlarged by generosity and patience, may find safe havens of wisdom where the foul smoke of anger can dissipate swiftly (In other terms: allow your anger to disperse, akin to how smoke vanishes quickly; or – yield to the anger of others, offering compassion toward the irate person and bearing their burdens). St. Chrysostom relates this to the anger of God by suggesting we permit God's righteousness to seek vengeance on our behalf. Furthermore, it could be perceived as yielding to anger when we respond to another's irritation with humility and composure, admitting our own unworthiness and seeking forgiveness.
However, those who interpret the directive of the apostle as an endorsement to evade the angry individual miss the mark; they do not eliminate the source of conflict but rather intensify it. For if we do not promptly address a neighbor's anger with humble reconciliation, fleeing from it may inflame rather than quell it. Solomon warns, "Do not be quick to provoke your spirit to anger, for anger resides in the heart of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:10). Entering disputes impulsively can lead to regret later (Proverbs 25:8). The Wise One does not critique the swiftness of litigation or anger to endorse delay. Similarly, we should understand, "The fool immediately shows his anger, but the prudent person hides disgrace" (Proverbs 12:16). It is not that the wise are to conceal the disgraceful passion of anger in all instances but rather that if, due to human frailty, anger does arise, it should be concealed and, over time, allowed to diminish entirely. Anger, when restrained, loses its intensity, whereas exposure only fuels it further. Therefore, our hearts must expand to avoid being filled with the heat of wrath due to fear, allowing us to embrace the vast commandments of God and echo the prophet: "I will run the course of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart" (Psalm 118:32). Scripture affirms that true wisdom lies in generosity: "A patient person shows great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly" (Proverbs 14:29). Hence, the Scriptures commend the individual who seeks wisdom from the Lord: "And God gave Solomon wisdom and very great understanding and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore" (1 Kings 4:29).