I don't see how you are disagreeing... that still does not make anger a sin. Now, as far as holding on to anger, I was not commenting on. I am referring to getting angry. For example, if someone rapes your sister, you may forgive him, whether it be that day or years later. But being angry is not a sin if you have just cause to be. Now if you chose to cling and harvest that anger, that is a completely different thing than what I am referring to. I am sorry for not stating it clearer. I try to cut down on the typing at times though.
Proverbs 3:30 - Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm
Psalms 119:78 - Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Without a cause is used often in the same sense as Matt 5:22. The logic is quite simple. If someone steps on your foot purposely, it is not wrong to be angry. Now once the anger comes, you can chose to feed on it, or let it go and forgive that person. If you chose to give ocassion to the devil by feeding on it, you may step on his foot and return the favor. These things don't necessarily disagree.
Now, on the other hand. If I see someone with a nice car or who is wise and I am angry because of his possessions, then I have no cause. My anger is motivated by covetousness and jealousy. That is the difference b/w the two. One has a cause, but the other comes from a wicked heart. I do agree with you, that even the one with a cause can turn into wickedness.
With Love,
Snipe...