"Cursed be their rage, for it is fierce; and their anger, for it is cruel." (Gen. 49:7)
Jacob's blessing to Simeon and Levi sounds more like a curse than a blessing. Still, the Sages noted that Jacob was careful not to curse his sons, but only their anger.
But what does it mean to "curse anger"?
Two Types of Angry Individuals
When wealthy and powerful individuals are quick to anger, this is a dangerous combination. Secure in their status, such people feel free to unleash their fury. They constantly yell and scream at others, allowing their rage get out of control.
The poor and destitute, on the other hand, even if they struggle controlling their temper, will make an effort to hold their anger in check. Relying on the goodwill of others, they cannot afford to vent their displeasure on anyone they wish. We may refer to this type of anger as an "anger that is cursed," as it is curbed by external pressures and circumstances.
Simeon and Levi's Blessing
Jacob did not curse his sons Simeon and Levi; he cursed their rage. He saw that by nature they were quick to anger, and they needed to learn to control this trait.
To address this, Jacob pronounced: "I will disperse them in Jacob, scatter them in Israel." As the Midrash explains, their path would lead them to a life of dispersion, serving as tutors and teachers, reliant on the goodwill of others. This lifestyle, humble and itinerant, would force them to confront their anger and learn self-mastery.
To address this, Jacob pronounced: "I will disperse them in Jacob, scatter them in Israel." As the Midrash explains, their path would lead them to a life of dispersion, serving as tutors and teachers, reliant on the goodwill of others. This lifestyle, humble and itinerant, would force them to confront their anger and learn self-mastery.
(Adapted from Mishlei Yaakov, pp. 105-106)
