Is “not letting the sun go down” literal?
Question:
Does Ephesians 4:26 literally refer to the setting sun, do not let your anger reach tomorrow, or does it mean that you should not end your life with anger?
Answer:
"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity" (Ephesians 4:26-27).
"Do not let the sun go down on your anger" is a word picture that makes the meaning more vivid. Paul's point is that sometimes anger is unavoidable, but we are not to hold onto it or delay resolving the issue when we are angry. Holding onto your anger allows Satan to tempt you to sin because you do not think clearly when you are angry. Therefore, understand this verse to mean that you limit the time you are angry to a short period.
