Anger is an emotion we all experience, but the Bible warns against letting it control us. God calls us to handle our anger in a way that is healthy, just, and loving. Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about anger and how we can respond to frustration in a godly way.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being An Encourager
What Does The Bible Say About Being Angry
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
This verse addresses the emotion of anger and warns against sinning in the midst of it. It encourages believers to resolve their anger before the day ends, highlighting the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness.
It reminds us that holding on to anger can lead to bitterness and resentment, ultimately hindering our relationship with God and others. This verse teaches us to deal with our anger in a constructive and timely manner, seeking reconciliation and maintaining healthy relationships.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
These verses emphasize the importance of self-control and wisdom when it comes to anger. They encourage believers to be slow to anger, advocating for patience, active listening, and thoughtful responses.
They emphasize that human anger often leads to unrighteousness, highlighting the need for spiritual discernment and self-restraint. These verses remind us to approach anger with a humble and teachable spirit, seeking God’s righteousness rather than succumbing to destructive actions or words.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This passage urges believers to eliminate destructive and harmful expressions of anger from their lives. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of bitterness, rage, and any form of malice.
Instead, we are encouraged to cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, following the example of Christ’s forgiveness towards us. These verses remind us of the transformative power of forgiveness, which allows us to break free from the chains of anger and cultivate healthy, loving relationships.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
This proverb highlights the virtue of patience and its connection to wisdom. It contrasts a patient person who demonstrates great understanding with someone who is quick-tempered and foolish.
It serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and avoid reacting impulsively out of anger. By cultivating patience, we can gain greater insight and make wiser decisions, avoiding the consequences of foolish and hasty actions.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive nature of a hot-tempered person and the power of patience in resolving conflicts. It reminds us that anger, when left unchecked, can escalate disagreements and create turbulence.
However, a patient person possesses the ability to calm quarrels and promote peace. This verse encourages us to choose patience over anger, as it has the potential to diffuse tense situations and foster healthy relationships.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
These words from the book of Colossians urge believers to rid themselves of destructive expressions of anger and unwholesome speech. It reminds us that anger should not be a driving force in our lives.
As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard, one that promotes love, peace, and righteousness. This verse challenges us to actively remove anger and its associated vices from our hearts and lips, aligning our words and actions with God’s transformative love.
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This proverb highlights the value of patience and self-control, placing it above the feats of a warrior conquering a city. It showcases the strength and wisdom that come with exercising restraint rather than allowing anger to control one’s actions.
It reminds us that true victory is not in overpowering others but in mastering our own emotions. This verse encourages us to develop the virtue of patience, which empowers us to navigate challenges with wisdom, grace, and self-control.
Psalm 37:8-9
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
These verses from Psalm 37 provide guidance on dealing with anger. They urge us to refrain from anger and turn away from wrath, cautioning that fretting and holding onto anger only lead to evil.
Instead, we are encouraged to put our hope in the Lord, trusting in His righteousness and promises. By doing so, we can find peace and inherit the blessings that God has prepared for those who seek Him.
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
This proverb contrasts the actions of foolish individuals who freely express their anger with the wisdom of those who bring about calmness. It highlights the importance of restraint and thoughtful responses in the face of anger.
While giving in to rage may provide temporary relief, it ultimately leads to further turmoil. The verse encourages us to seek wisdom, striving to bring about peace and resolution rather than escalating conflicts through impulsive and uncontrolled anger.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
This verse advises against reacting impulsively and becoming easily provoked by anger. It warns that anger dwells in the hearts of fools, suggesting that it is an unwise and foolish emotion to entertain without restraint.
By exercising patience and self-control, we can avoid the follies that come with uncontrolled anger. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of calmness and discernment, enabling us to navigate conflicts with wisdom and grace.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This proverb communicates the connection between wisdom, patience, and the ability to overlook offenses. It suggests that wisdom leads to a more patient and forgiving attitude, enabling one to rise above petty offenses.
It reminds us that holding onto anger and seeking revenge is not praiseworthy. Instead, we are called to cultivate wisdom and exercise patience, choosing to extend grace and forgiveness towards those who may have wronged us.
Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
This verse warns against harboring anger towards others and engaging in derogatory or degrading speech. It cautions that anger and abusive language can have serious consequences, highlighting the need for self-control and respect.
It teaches us to reconcile our relationships, seeking forgiveness and resolution rather than allowing anger to breed division and harm. This verse emphasizes the importance of love, respect, and reconciliation as central aspects of our Christian faith.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This passage from Galatians highlights the virtues that are produced in our lives when we are led by the Holy Spirit. One of these virtues is self-control, which encompasses the ability to manage our anger and respond in a manner pleasing to God.
By cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s character and intentions for our lives. This passage encourages us to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us away from destructive anger and towards a life characterized by love, peace, and self-control.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This Proverb advises against forming close relationships with individuals who have a quick temper. It warns of the influence that anger can have, potentially leading others down a destructive path.
Instead, we are encouraged to surround ourselves with people who exhibit self-control and promote peace. This verse reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely, as their patterns of behavior can impact our own attitudes and actions.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb highlights the power of gentle and respectful speech in diffusing anger. It emphasizes the importance of choosing our words wisely, recognizing that a harsh response only serves to escalate conflict.
When faced with anger, responding with kindness and empathy can foster understanding and promote reconciliation. This verse encourages us to be mindful of our words, seeking to bring about peace and resolution rather than fueling the flames of anger.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
These words from Colossians call us to bear with one another and extend forgiveness, even in the face of grievances. It reminds us of the forgiveness we have received through Christ’s sacrifice and urges us to imitate His example.
By cultivating a spirit of forgiveness, we release ourselves from the burdens of anger, resentment, and bitterness. This verse invites us to let go of our grievances and choose forgiveness, reconciling our relationships through love and grace.
Psalm 4:4
“Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”
This verse from Psalms encourages us to engage in self-reflection, examining our hearts and keeping silent when dealing with anger. It advises us to approach our emotions with reverence and self-control, aiming to align ourselves with righteousness.
By taking time to reflect and seek God’s wisdom, we can avoid impulsive actions or hurtful words. This verse reminds us to seek inner peace and guidance from the Lord, even in times of anger and frustration.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This proverb highlights the power of kind and gracious words in promoting healing and restoration. It serves as a reminder of the influence our words can have on others and ourselves, even in the midst of anger.
By choosing to speak with love and gentleness, we can sow seeds of peace and healing. This verse encourages us to harness the transformative power of our words, using them to bring comfort, understanding, and reconciliation.
Proverbs 14:17
“A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.”
This Proverb warns against the consequences of quick-temperedness, pointing out the unwise actions and the potential for devising harmful plans that it can lead to.
It serves as a reminder of the negative impact of anger when left unchecked, both on ourselves and on our relationships. This verse urges us to cultivate self-control and wisdom, avoiding acts of foolishness and malice that stem from unchecked anger.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of peace and avoidance of conflict. It highlights the honor that comes from choosing not to engage in strife and instead pursuing peace.
It cautions against the tendency to quickly engage in quarrels, reminding us that wisdom lies in preventing unnecessary conflict. This verse encourages us to prioritize peace and unity, exercising restraint and patience rather than impulsively reacting in anger.
Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Hell.”
This passage from Matthew reinforces the significance of managing our anger and avoiding harmful speech. It expands on the commandment against murder, stating that anger and hurtful words can have similar consequences.
It warns us against harboring anger towards others, devaluing or disrespecting them through derogatory language. This verse highlights the importance of treating others with love, dignity, and respect, even when anger is present.
Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
These words from the Psalms urge us to exercise self-control and turn away from wrathful anger. It warns against the harms and negative consequences that can arise from allowing anger to consume our hearts and minds.
This verse invites us to entrust our concerns to the Lord instead of fretting or seeking revenge. By surrendering our anger to Him, we find peace and protection from the potential destruction that anger can bring.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of uncontrolled anger, which can escalate conflicts and create discord. It contrasts a hot-tempered person who stirs up strife with someone who exercises patience and diffuses quarrels.
It encourages us to choose patience over anger, promoting peace and harmony in our relationships. By cultivating a spirit of patience and understanding, we have the power to calm conflicts and preserve unity.
Psalm 145:8
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”
This Psalm reminds us of God’s character, emphasizing His graciousness, compassion, and slowness to anger. It highlights His abundant love for us and His patience in dealing with our shortcomings.
By reflecting on God’s attributes, we are reminded of the example we are called to follow. This verse encourages us to imitate God’s patience and compassion, extending forgiveness and understanding to others in our own lives.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
This proverb acknowledges the wisdom that comes with patience and understanding. It contrasts a patient individual who demonstrates great discernment with someone who is quick-tempered and exhibits foolishness.
This verse encourages us to cultivate patience within ourselves, recognizing its significance in navigating relationships and conflicts. By seeking understanding and exercising self-control, we can avoid the pitfalls of quick anger and live wisely.