Now this list is not just a list, if you notice, of what not to do, but tells us what we should be doing. Not only does Paul say, do not lie, he says, speak the truth. If you get angry, do not sin and make sure you get over it before sunset. Do not steal. And not only do not steal, but get a job so you can help others. Go to work! Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good and may impart grace to the hearers. Do we impart grace?
In this context, not giving him a bridgehead ("not giving place to the devil"), is directly tied to a feeling—anger. Anger of and by itself is not sin. Be angry and don't sin. There is an anger that is godly. Righteous indignation would be a godly anger. But nursing an anger for the wrong reason (here comes the fulfillment of a desire) gives Satan the toehold that he needs. He will very easily turn it into bitterness or a sinful conduct.
