Bible Verses About Anger

There are many Bible Verses About Anger worth knowing by all followers of Christ. It is without doubt that anger is something that takes all of us. It’s difficult if not impossible to say that you’ve gone through life without ever expressing the feeling of anger in one way or the other. This feeling regularly pops up when some wounds, hurts, offends, fails, betrays, or frustrates us. Such are some of the few situations that are likely to put people in states of extreme anger. And as we know, it’s difficult to hide or mask the feeling of anger. It is then that you will see people expressing anger in different ways and at different degrees. When uncontrollable anger gets you into its grip, it’s difficult to let go and focus on moving ahead.

Anger seems to take over the mind of the individual concerned and he/she finds it difficult to stop thinking about it. Dwelling with anger is more like carrying a weight of 100 pounds. In addition to bringing bitterness, sadness, and stress in our minds, uncontrollable anger leads us far away from God’s presence. In simple terms, the uncontrollable weight of anger leads to sin as we are told by the Bible verses about anger. An objective look both in the Old and New Testament will reveal God’s mind about this very subject matter of anger. We cannot continue carrying the weight of anger all through our lives. Truth be told, it destroys everything that we lay our hands on. The weight of anger negatively affects our spiritual, emotional, and social lives.

Bible Verses About Anger

Our personal strength is not sufficient to overcome the spirit of anger. In most cases that we are fighting anger, it seems to be gaining immunity and returning with force. However, you must not give-up in your struggle against anger but rather turn to God for help. Remember that he spoke through Prophet Jeremiah saying that if his children turn to him in sincere repentance and request help, he will eventually assist them (Jeremiah 29:11-13). God is the solution to overcoming anger and restoring true peace and happiness in us. Make up your mind today and turn to God by respecting the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ. Doing so will make you receptive to his mercy and favor. You will be considered His child and He will help you in overcoming the spirit of anger. Have in mind that the one who is damaged the most by anger is you.

General Overview

What Does The Bible Say About Anger?

What does the Bible teach about anger? is the question we hear many people asking. In both the Old and New Testament, the Bible teaches that uncontrolled anger causes more harm that good to the person harboring it and those surrounding him/her. Let’s support this by reading from Proverbs 29:22 – “People with quick tempers cause a lot of quarreling and trouble.” Although anger may be justified at times, the Holy Scriptures say that all those who continuously have “fits of anger” will not gain salvation talk less of seeing God.

Let’s support this by reading from Galatians 5:19-21 – “What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious, They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not posses the Kingdom of God.” These spiritual truths are also being supported by the other Bible verses about anger which we’ll present in the later part of this writing.

Is anger always wrong?

Truth be told, anger is not always wrong. In some cases, it can be justified in the light of God’s justice. Remember Nehemiah, the Bible tells us that he “became very angry” when he learned that some of his fellow worshipers where being oppressed. Let’s read this from Nehemiah 5:6 – “When I heard their complains, I was angry.” Even God gets angry by some of our thoughts, words, and actions. Remember that when the children of Israel broke their agreement to worship only him and started worshiping other gods, the Bible says “Jehovah’s anger blazed against them” as we can read from Judges 2:13, 14. Whatever the case, God’s anger is always under control and well justified as we can read from Exodus 34:6 and Isaiah 48:9.

When is anger wrong?

Anger is wrong when it is uncontrolled or unjustified. Humans regularly get into the pit of unjustified and uncontrollable anger which leads to sin. Remember the story of Cain. His anger against his brother which led to murder was unjustified. When God rejected his sacrifice but accepted that of his brother, he was unable to control the jealousy within him which led to anger and ended up in the murder of his brother (Genesis 4:3-8).

God also reproached Prophet Jonah for getting angry about the mercy He had for those living in Nineveh and decided not to destroy them for their sins. It is in this light that we are inviting you to have compassion, mercy and strive hard towards forgiving all those who hurt you. This will keep you far from anger which leads to sin. By forgiving others, God will also forgive you. Note that the same measures you apply on others will also be applied on you by God. Holding them responsible is a way of requesting God to also hold you responsible. To understand the deep spiritual truth behind divine forgiveness, we’ll recommend that you read our Bible Verses About Forgiveness.

5 Biblical Steps To Controlling Anger – Ephesians 4:26

1. Acknowledge your anger

Acknowledging your anger and desiring better feelings from God is the first Biblical step to overcoming anger. Failing to know your enemy in battle is the greatest mistake which can cost your life. That’s why we say here that if you are serious about overcoming the spirit of anger through the authority in the name of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, you’ll need to first acknowledge it and desire help as you turn to God. Let’s support this by reading from Ephesians 4:26 – “”Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”

2. Set your will to forgive at all times and always – Colossians 3:13

Perhaps you were not aware that forgiveness is one of the main keys into divine happiness. By forgiving all those who hurt your feelings, you are are lifting off a heavy load from your back and making your mind receptive to receiving the true peace and harmony that comes from Christ. In short, forgiveness helps you to escape from the deathly grip of anger and all that comes with it. Let’s support this by reading Colossians 3:13 – “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Also read our Bible Verses About Forgiveness.

3. Pray the prayer of forgiveness – Acts 7:59-60

Knowing that forgiveness is the key to fleeing from anger, it is important that we take action to put our commitment of forgiveness in effect. By verbalizing your forgiveness unto all those who have hurt you as Jesus Christ and Stephen did before those who killed them, you are more likely to let go and experience genuine peace and happiness from God. Let’s support this message by reading from Acts 7:59-60 – “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

4. Ask God to help you in overcoming the spirit of anger – Philippians 4:6-7

Genuinely forgiving those who have hurt you, persecuted you, betrayed you, and cheated you is more of a challenging task. A we know, true forgiveness is far from mere words coming out of the mouth. It is a matter of the heart where God dwells. Whatever the case, God’s grace is sufficient for us to let go and embrace even those who have declared themselves enemies of our progress. We can do this in Christ because we know that God is in control and he renders justice to who it dues. Let’s support this by reading from Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

5. Refuse to keep thinking about the offense – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Refuse to keep on thinking about the offense and ask God to heal the wound in your heart and it shall be well with you. By repetitively thinking about the offense, you cannot talk about forgiveness. In addition, you’ll cause yourself more harm than good. Remember the words of Jesus Christ that are calling on us to bring the loads in our hearts to his feet and he’ll help us in carrying them. Let’s support this message by reading from 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

Best Bible Verses About Anger

Group 1 – Bible Verses About Anger

Ephesians 4:26-27 – “BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.” James 1:19-20 – “This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 – “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.”

Proverbs 19:11 – “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute.” Colossians 3:8 – “But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.” Proverbs 14:17 – “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated.” James 4:1-2 – “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.”

Group 2 – Bible Verses About Anger

Proverbs 16:32 – “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.” Ephesians 4:31 – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians 4:26 – “BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Proverbs 12:16 – “A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor.” James 1:19 – “This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;” Psalm 37:8-9 – “Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.”

Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Luke 6:31 – “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” Proverbs 29:22 – “An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.” Proverbs 14:29 – “He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” Proverbs 17:27 – “He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Psalm 37:8 – “Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.”

Group 3 – Bible Verses About Anger

2 Timothy 2:23-24 – “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,” Colossians 3:7-9 – “and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,” Ephesians 4:25-27 – “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”

ALSO READ Bible Verses About Aging Parents

Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” 1 Timothy 3:2 – “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,” Matthew 5:22 – ““But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”

Group 4 – Bible Verses About Anger

Romans 12:19-21 – “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Titus 1:7 – “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,” 1 Samuel 20:7 – “If he says, ‘It is good,’ your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided on evil.”

Proverbs 19:19 – “A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.” Titus 2:2 – “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.” Proverbs 21:19 – “It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.” Psalm 4:4 – “Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.” Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” Leviticus 19:17-18 – “‘You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart; you may surely reprove your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him. ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.”