We praise a man who feels angry on the right grounds and against the right persons and also in the right manner at the right moment and for the right length of time. (Aristotle, 4th century B.C. Greek philosopher)

There is such a thing as “righteous indignation,” although a lot of people use that excuse when they’ve simply lost their temper over some supposed offense. Aristotle argues that proper anger has a sound basis, is targeted at the correct offender, is offered in a courteous manner, and is not prolonged. That’s quite a basis to measure our anger against, isn’t it?

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19-20)