Skip to Scriptures about Anger
Anger, as addressed in the Bible, is a complex and powerful emotion that can have both positive and negative implications. Scripture acknowledges that anger is a part of human experience, but it cautions against uncontrolled and destructive anger. The Bible teaches that anger, in and of itself, is not inherently sinful, but it is important to handle it in a righteous and godly manner.
Instead, we are called to exercise self-control and seek reconciliation. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:26-27 to “be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, humility, and seeking peace in relationships.
15 Scriptures about Anger
Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
James 1:19-20
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
Matthew 5:22
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
Proverbs 16:32
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Proverbs 19:11
“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
James 1:20
“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
Final Thoughts about Anger in the Scriptures
Righteous anger can arise in response to injustice, sin, or the mistreatment of others. In such cases, the Bible encourages believers to express their anger without sinning, seeking justice, and promoting righteousness. However, the Bible also warns against allowing anger to consume and control our lives, leading to sinful behavior, such as resentment, bitterness, or acts of violence.
It encourages believers to replace anger with kindness, compassion, and love, reflecting the character of Christ. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that our anger should be transformed into righteous action, fueled by love and guided by God’s wisdom.
Through prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of Scripture, we can navigate the complexities of anger, allowing it to be a catalyst for positive change, growth, and the restoration of relationships.
