45 Top Best Bible Verses About Anger

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Humans are emotional beings, and these emotions are gifts from God. We aren’t just above all living creatures because of our intellectual capacity and ability to interact. Our emotions surpass other individual living things because we can feel and connect through our feelings. Our humanity centers on what we do for others because of the way we feel. Name all the positive emotions you know and you’ll see how exceedingly special we are. Compassion, mercy, love, patience, kindness, charity, goodness, self-control, and more. However, we also have negative emotions to deal with. Since we are aware of our negative emotions, unlike other living individuals, to tame it is our accountability. One emotion hardest to control is anger. How does anger negatively affect us? As, Christians what do we need to know about this emotion? Let’s find out what the Bible says about anger with these Bible verses about anger. 

Scripture is filled with wisdom and instructions which are indispensable in living our life in Christ. Different books of the Bible reveal what anger can do both in us and to others. The Word of God also provides us with the best advice on managing our anger. God’s wrath is righteous for He is angry about sins which bring destruction to His creation. Sin offends the holiness of God. On the other hand, man’s anger often leads to sin. While there is righteous anger, this anger can be an entry point of the enemy to devour us. This is why the Bible tells us to be alert and of sober mind. In the same manner, we need to be aware of what emotions we allow to set in us.

Bible Verses About Anger And Hatred

Definitely, anger is an emotion we should not allow to set in our hearts. The Bible tells us not to sin because of anger (Psalm 4:4). While anger is an innate emotion, it should not settle in our hearts for long. If it does, it will lead us into sin. We need to remember that God hates sin. The wrath of God is aimed towards evil and His judgment is righteous. God’s judgment over evil is eternal separation from Him so man should fear it. To be eternally separated from God without His presence and His Grace is dreadful. This will be beyond what we can know or imagine which no man won’t want to imagine if we only know.  

Anger and hatred towards other people give an opportunity to the Devil. We are earnestly warned not to give the devil a chance to use the emotion of anger to destroy us (Ephesians 4:26-27). How can we then not allow the enemy to use our anger against us? The same Bible verse about anger in Ephesians advises us not to let the sun go down with anger residing in our hearts. 

These Bible verses about anger tell us to reflect in our hearts immediately when anger sets in. Let’s take a moment to consider what anger can do to us. Is it helpful? Is it worth the time and energy we put into it? Will things be better or worse if we let anger overwhelm us? Reflect on these questions and your emotions. To have a clearer mind, take also the time to read the following Bible verses about anger. 

• Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
• Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
• James 1:20 For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
• Colossians 3:8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
• Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
• 1 Timothy 2:8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
• Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.
• 1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Bible Verses about Controlling Anger

Taming one’s emotion, particularly anger, can take anyone three times the energy it took them to vent it. This is why it is harder to control anger than to just let it overrule us. It is easier to give in to anger. Expressing our anger is fine if done in the right way without hurting anybody or yourself, or without displeasing God. However, because we are fallen by nature we often express anger with shouting, yelling at each other, using hurtful words, and in worse cases, damaging actions. The Scripture tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit with bitterness, anger, and hatred (Ephesians 4:40-31). Furthermore, it instructs us not to yell at each other, curse each other, or be rude with each other. These actions make God’s spirit sad and as Christians, we should make every effort to avoid bringing sorrow to God. 

Different Bible verses about anger in Proverbs says that a fool allows his anger to take over him, but a wise man controls and quietly holds it back. Also, the Book of James instructs every believer to be quick to listen and slow in anger. What is so wise about controlling anger? These Bible verses about anger written in Proverbs tell us that anger only worsens situations. It stirs up strife instead of resolving issues. On the other hand, if we control anger, we can also control contention allowing us to manage the situation. Hence, sparing us from unnecessary trouble. At times, people think that holding back our anger is a sign of a weak spirit, but actually, a man who is slow to anger is better than any mighty man (Proverbs 16:32). To rule anger is a strength only a few can master.

• Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
• Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
• James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger
• Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
• 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.
• Ephesians 4:30-31 Don’t make God’s Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.
• Proverbs 14:16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
• Proverbs 15:4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Bible Verses about Resolving Conflicts

Managing our anger doesn’t end there. Sometimes, we try to convince ourselves that we have forgiven those who have hurt us. However, we avoid the persons involved in the conflict. Once we see them again, that raging feeling stored in us suddenly arises, and then the same peaceful conversation we had before becomes impossible. The rage may not be as great as you had it the first time but it is still there. There are just two reasons for this. First, you didn’t get rid of anger completely, it just subsides through time. Second, you didn’t truly forgive, you just avoided it. They say time heals all wounds, but this isn’t true for all cases. 

Do you believe that being at peace and making things right with somebody whom we had conflicts with matters more than our offering to God? If you are offering to God but remember a friend who has a grudge against you, the bible commands that you immediately, leave your offering and make things right with that friend. Bible verses about anger tell us not to let the sun go down in our anger. In resolving arguments and issues with other people, we can’t just wait for time to soften us and expect for things to naturally heal itself. This can be possible but chances are slim. Besides, why would we want to lose so much time if we can resolve conflicts now? Why would we allow ourselves to be burdened with anger for so long if we can unload everything before the sun goes down? 

• Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
• James 4:1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
• Matthew 5:23-24 This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
• 2 Timothy 2:23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
• Romans 12:21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
• 2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
• 2 Timothy 2:25-26 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
• Proverbs 22:10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

Bible Verses about Anger and Forgiveness

The key to overcoming resentment caused by anger is forgiveness. There is a simple, yet very challenging verse in the Bible that says if we want forgiveness, we also ought to give forgiveness. If we can’t forgive others then God won’t forgive us (Matthew 6:15). Furthermore, we are advised that if we want God to be lenient with us, then we shouldn’t be hard on others (Luke 6:37). How can we make sure that the anger that once resides in us is already gone? Through forgiveness. If we desire to overcome anger, we must forgive. Overcome hatred with love; bitterness with compassion; and anger with understanding. To forgive someone means that we release all the negative feelings once we had for them and replace them with positive emotions. Various Bible verses about anger tell us to let love be above than other emotions.  

Let this love be so great that even those who have anger against us can experience an undeserved love that will lead them to the love of Christ. When it becomes too difficult for us to set our hearts free from anger or it feels too impossible to forgive someone because of the painful experience they caused us, go back to the love who forgives us for all our sins. Through all of our sins, God forgives us even though we don’t deserve it. The Lord seeks that we do the same thing. 

• Colossians 3:13 Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
• Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
• Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
• Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
• Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
• Luke 6:37 Jesus said: Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you.
• Luke 6:27-30 But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.

Bible Verses about Self-Control

As the saying goes, prevention is better than finding a cure. So it is with anger. Before we find ourselves in senseless yelling, struggling with resolving conflicts, and futile hatred, it is much to our advantage to prevent ourselves from dealing with these unnecessary experiences. How do we combat the anger to avoid it from taking root in our hearts? The Bible provides us the answer— through self-control. Proverbs 25:28 pictures a person without self-control as a city broken into and left without walls. This is dangerous imagery. It means a person who has no self-control is left defenseless. As humans and Christians, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness; against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). This is a war that requires defending ourselves so the enemy cannot harm us or destroy us.  

Bible verses about anger reveal that anger can lead us to sin. It can allow an enemy to devour us. Now, the Book of Proverbs tells us that a person without self-control has no defense over the forces of the enemy. It is like a city without walls. In war, a nation without military defense is most likely to lose their battle. During ancient times, city walls were of utmost importance if the city wanted to protect itself from invaders. Cities contest to build the strongest wall to protect their land from invading conquerors. The same firm wall that protects them gives us the best illustration of how important self-control is. It protects us from the temptations, snares, and schemes of the wicked. Without it, we are left defenseless, subjected to an attack from the enemy. Know more about self-control with these Bible verses about anger. 

• Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.
• Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
• Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
• Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
• Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls
• 2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
• Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.

Bible Verses About the Perils of Anger

After reading all the Bible verses about anger, you probably know by now that anger is a dangerous emotion. The enemy plans to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). This is what sinful anger can do to our souls once we become defenseless by letting it take root in our hearts. It will steal our joy and peace. These two positive emotions are the most valuable riches today. With the world in constant chaos and our lives in unvarying worries, peace and joy are harder to earn than any possessions the world can give. Moreover, anger steals our energy and time. Moments, when we can think about better things, were wasted with pointless thinking about how we can have revenge, hurt back, or how we hated somebody. Anger destroys good relationships. It stirs up conflicts and breaks trust. The latter is difficult to get back. 

Lastly, anger, when it becomes sinful, can kill our souls. A dead soul faces eternal death. Sinful anger is the Devil’s happy spot. However, ferocious anger in worst scenarios can lead a person into actually killing someone just like what Cain did to Abel. Cain’s wrath over his brother Abel whose sacrifice pleased God when his displeased God led him to sin. This anger attacked Cain (Genesis 4:5-8). The Bible says sin is waiting to attack Cain because of his anger. Hence, the devil used Cain’s anger to destroy him. It became the enemy’s opportunity, his entry point to influence Cain to kill his brother. This is the first murder in history. The cause of it? Extreme and sinful anger. If you’re still not convinced that anger waits for us perils of destruction, look at Cain’s story. 

• Proverbs 22:24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man.
• Proverbs 29:8 Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.
• Matthew 5:21-22 You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
• Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
• Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
• 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.
• Proverbs 14:17 The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret; the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.
• Genesis 4:5-8 But not with Cain and his offering. This made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings. The Lord said to Cain: What’s wrong with you? Why do you have such an angry look on your face?  If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy you, but don’t let it! Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go for a walk.” And when they were out in a field, Cain killed him.

Staying Positive

These Bible verses about anger illustrate clearer what sinful anger can do, how we can overcome it, how we can prevent it, and how we should manage it. While the enemy can use anger as an opportunity to destroy God’s creation, the Lord can use this to mold His people into His likeness. To equip our souls with armor to overcome the attacks of anger and other negative emotions, we need to fill ourselves with the positive ones. Positive emotions like self-control Bible verses about anger will help us in keeping away negative emotions.  

To do this, we need to practice looking at positive things rather than negative ones. It also means that we focus on the positive side of others rather than their weaknesses and flaws. We can start from delving into things that we can improve rather than worrying about the things which we cannot change. When somebody makes a mistake, we should be patient and understanding. We can try to place our feet in their shoes or listen to them as the Book of Proverbs instructed. When somebody hurts us, let’s choose to forgive. This act is more courageous than trying to stir up hatred. Remember, God will enable us with whatever help we need if we ask for it.