Are you struggling with anger? The Bible has much to say about this powerful emotion.
In this article, we will explore twelve Bible verses about anger and what they teach us about controlling our emotions, avoiding sin, and treating others with love and respect.
We will also recommend four Bible chapters to read if you want to learn more about anger and related concepts such as forgiveness and compassion.
Let’s dive in and discover what the Bible has to say about anger.
Bible verses about anger
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about anger:
1. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” – Ephesians 4:26
2. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” – Proverbs 16:32
3. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
4. “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” – Matthew 5:22
5. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” – Ephesians 4:31
6. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” – James 1:20
7. “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” – Psalm 37:8
8. “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.” – Proverbs 14:17
9. “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” – Proverbs 15:18
10. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” – James 1:19
11. “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
12. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
What does the Bible say about anger?
The Bible acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion, but it warns against letting it control one’s actions.
It advises people to be slow to anger and to avoid causing harm to others.
It also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of anger, as holding onto it can lead to bitterness and resentment.
The Bible teaches that anger should be directed towards righteous causes, such as fighting against injustice, rather than towards personal vendettas.
Ultimately, the Bible encourages people to seek peace and to strive for reconciliation in all relationships.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about anger?
1. Proverbs 15 – This chapter talks about the importance of controlling one’s anger and the consequences of uncontrolled anger. It also emphasizes the importance of speaking wisely and listening to others.
2. James 1 – This chapter talks about the relationship between anger and sin. It encourages readers to be slow to anger and to listen more than they speak.
3. Ephesians 4 – This chapter talks about the importance of putting away anger and bitterness and instead being kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards others.
4. Colossians 3 – This chapter talks about putting off anger and instead putting on love, patience, and forgiveness. It also emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
These chapters are relevant to anger because they provide guidance on how to control anger, avoid sin, and treat others with love and respect. They also highlight the negative consequences of uncontrolled anger and the importance of forgiveness and compassion.
Ideas and concepts related to anger that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Wrath – This refers to intense anger or fury, often associated with a desire for vengeance or punishment. In the Bible, wrath is often attributed to God as a response to sin or disobedience. It relates to anger in that it is a heightened form of anger that can lead to destructive behavior if not controlled.
2. Patience – This is the ability to endure difficult circumstances or people without becoming angry or frustrated. In the Bible, patience is often seen as a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit. It relates to anger in that it can help us to control our emotions and respond to difficult situations in a calm and rational manner.
3. Forgiveness – This is the act of letting go of anger and resentment towards someone who has wronged us. In the Bible, forgiveness is a central theme, and Jesus teaches his followers to forgive others as they have been forgiven. It relates to anger in that it can help us to release the negative emotions that can lead to anger and bitterness.
4. Self-control – This is the ability to control one’s emotions and impulses, especially in difficult situations. In the Bible, self-control is seen as a fruit of the Spirit and an important aspect of Christian character. It relates to anger in that it can help us to manage our anger and prevent it from becoming destructive.
5. Love – This is the selfless concern for the well-being of others, even in the face of difficulty or opposition. In the Bible, love is the greatest commandment and the foundation of Christian faith. It relates to anger in that it can help us to respond to difficult situations with compassion and understanding, rather than anger and hostility.
