Are you someone who struggles with controlling your anger? Do you find yourself getting easily agitated or upset? The Bible offers guidance and wisdom on how to handle and control our anger.
In this blog post, we will explore some powerful and thought-provoking Bible verses about controlling anger that can help us navigate this emotion in a healthy and Godly way.
Bible Verses About Controlling Anger
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
This verse teaches us the importance of being slow to anger. When we can control our temper and respond with patience and understanding, we demonstrate wisdom and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Here, the Apostle Paul encourages us to handle our anger in a timely manner. We should not let anger linger and allow it to become a root of bitterness. Unresolved anger can provide a foothold for the enemy to work in our lives.
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.”
This verse encourages us to be slow to anger and quick to listen. When we practice self-control in our anger and seek understanding instead of reacting impulsively, we align our actions with God’s desire for righteousness.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When faced with anger from others, responding with gentleness can help diffuse the situation. Our choice to speak kindly and softly can break the cycle of anger and promote peace.
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.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to put away anger and all its associated destructive behaviors. Instead, we should invite the Holy Spirit to work in us, producing the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
This verse reminds us that it is wise to control our anger instead of allowing it to dictate our actions. When we respond to anger with calmness and wisdom, we can bring about resolution and peace.
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 verse speaks to the fruit of the Spirit, including self-control. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can exercise self-control in managing our anger and respond in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This verse highlights the value of self-control over displays of strength or aggression. Controlling our anger and responding with patient endurance is a sign of true strength and wisdom.
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.”
Jesus warns against harboring anger and contempt in our hearts. He teaches us that anger, when not properly dealt with, can lead to destructive words and actions that have serious consequences.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse reminds us that wisdom brings about patience, allowing us to overlook offenses and avoid retaliatory behavior. Choosing to let go of anger and extending forgiveness demonstrates strength of character.
Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
This verse urges us to refrain from anger and turn away from wrath. It cautions against the harmful consequences of holding onto anger, as it often leads to sinful actions and destruction.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
When we have knowledge and understanding, we can exercise restraint in our words and maintain an even-tempered attitude. By choosing our words wisely and remaining calm, we can prevent unnecessary conflict.
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 verse advises against developing close associations with people who have a hot temper. Surrounding ourselves with calm and peaceable individuals can help promote self-control in our own lives.
Psalm 4:4
“Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”
Before acting in anger, this verse encourages us to pause and reflect. We are encouraged to search our hearts and be silent, allowing room for God to convict and guide us in responding with wisdom and self-control.
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
This verse uses the analogy of a city without walls to highlight the vulnerability of a person without self-control. Just as a city is susceptible to attacks, lacking self-control exposes us to the destructive consequences of 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.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of not only refraining from physical acts of violence but also guarding our hearts against anger and hatred. Unresolved anger can bring about spiritual consequences and separate us from God’s perfect love.
Proverbs 14:17
“A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.”
This verse reveals the negative effects of a quick-tempered person. Reacting impulsively out of anger often leads to foolish actions, driving others away and fostering relational strife.
Genesis 4:6-7
“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.’
God’s warning to Cain in this passage reminds us that anger can lead to sin if not properly managed. We are called to rule over our anger and respond with righteousness to avoid falling into temptation.
Jonah 4:4
“But the Lord replied, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?'”
This question posed by the Lord to Jonah challenges us to examine the legitimacy of our anger. It encourages us to redirect our emotions and align them with God’s perspective, relying on His wisdom and understanding.
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.”
This passage urges us to turn away from anger and instead place our hope in the Lord. Trusting in God’s sovereignty and justice allows us to relinquish anger and focus on His promises.
What does the Bible say About Controlling Anger?
The Bible offers several teachings about controlling anger. It emphasizes the importance of managing anger in a constructive and Godly manner. One of the most well-known verses on this topic comes from the book of Proverbs: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV). This verse encourages believers to respond to anger with kindness and gentleness, rather than reacting with harsh words or actions that can escalate the situation.
Ephesians 4:26-27 advises not to let the sun go down on one’s anger, suggesting that it’s important to address and resolve feelings of anger promptly. This passage implies that holding onto anger can lead to bitterness and resentment, which are counter to a Christian way of life.
Additionally, James 1:19-20 counsels believers to be “slow to become angry,” asserting that human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. This verse underscores the idea that uncontrolled anger can lead to actions or words that are contrary to God’s will.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that managing anger is a crucial aspect of living a righteous and God-centered life. It encourages believers to seek patience, forgiveness, and reconciliation rather than allowing anger to control their actions and words.