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Anger is one of those emotions believers feel, but don’t always know what to do with.
Sometimes it’s loud—an outburst you regret in minutes.
Sometimes it’s quiet—resentment that sits in the chest for years.
Sometimes it shows up as irritation, impatience, cynicism, even exhaustion.
So it’s no surprise people search for Bible verses about anger when their hearts feel hot, heavy, or tangled. A Bible verse about anger doesn’t pretend the feeling isn’t real. Scripture is honest about rage, frustration, and grief. But it’s also clear: anger is never meant to be a master. It’s meant to be a servant—something we bring under the Lordship of Christ.
These anger Bible verses help us discern the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger, between a moment of moral clarity and a pattern of fleshly reaction. If you’re battling anger that keeps flaring up, or carrying anger that won’t go away, God’s Word won’t shame you. It will shepherd you. And it will show you a path where anger is transformed, not merely suppressed.
Table of Contents
What Does the Bible Say About Anger? (Quick Overview)
Anger is one of the most misunderstood emotions in Scripture. Many believers assume anger is always sinful, always dangerous, always something to suppress. But the Bible treats anger with far more nuance. It shows anger as a fire that can either burn the house down or warm it, depending on what fuels it and where it’s aimed. At times, anger is a warning light: something is wrong, something holy is being threatened, something needs to be confronted with truth gently.
In Scripture, anger appears in three main forms:
- Righteous anger. God Himself is “slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6), which implies that His anger is real but measured, arising from love and justice. Jesus displays this kind of anger when He confronts exploitation in the temple (Mark 11:15–17). Righteous anger is not a tantrum; it is moral clarity that hates what destroys people.
- Fleshly, self-centered anger. This is the anger of wounded pride, impatience, and control. Proverbs warns that a quick-tempered person acts foolishly (Proverbs 14:17). James says human anger does not produce God’s righteousness (James 1:20). Here anger becomes a doorway to sin when it is ruled by ego rather than love.
- Anger that lingers and turns toxic. Paul commands, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). Unresolved anger curdles into bitterness, revenge, and spiritual footholds (Ephesians 4:27,31).
The Bible’s answer is not denial but transformation:
• Bring anger into God’s light (Psalm 139:23–24)
• Practice slow restraint (Proverbs 15:1,18)
• Let the Spirit shape your responses (Galatians 5:22–23)
• Pursue forgiveness and reconciliation (Colossians 3:13)
In short:
Anger in the Bible can be righteous or sinful, but God calls us to bring it under His Spirit so it becomes a force for justice, healing, and love—not destruction.
Best Bible Verses About Anger
Here are 10 powerful Bible verses about anger:
- Proverbs 29:11: A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
- 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 1:19-20: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
- Proverbs 14:29: Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
- Proverbs 15:18: A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9: Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.
- 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.
- Colossians 3:8: But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
- Matthew 5:22: But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.
- 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, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Bible Verses about Anger and Forgiveness
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger and forgiveness:
- 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, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
- Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
- 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 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.'”
- Luke 17:3-4: “Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
- Proverbs 19:11: “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
- Matthew 5:23-24: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
- James 1:19-20: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- Psalm 37:8: “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
- Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
- Romans 12:17-21: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Bible Verses on Anger Management
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger management:
- Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
- Proverbs 15:18: “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”
- James 1:19-20: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- 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.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
- Psalm 37:8: “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
- Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
- Colossians 3:8: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 19:11: “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
- Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
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Bible Verses for Anger Issues
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger issues:
- James 1:19-20: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 29:22: “A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.”
- Psalm 37:8: “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
- 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.”
- Matthew 5:22: “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
- Colossians 3:8: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
- Proverbs 14:17: “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.”
- Proverbs 19:11: “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
- Romans 12:19: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
- Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Bible Verses about Anger and Frustration
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger and frustration:
- Proverbs 19:3: “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.”
- Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
- Proverbs 25:28: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
- Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
- James 1:19-20: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- Psalm 37:8: “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
- Job 5:2: “Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple.”
- 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.”
- Colossians 3:8: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
Bible Verses about Anger Control
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger control:
- 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.”
- Proverbs 15:18: “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”
- Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
- James 1:19-20: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- 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.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
- Psalm 37:8: “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
- Proverbs 19:11: “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
- Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
- Colossians 3:8: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
- Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Proverbs 14:17: “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.”
- Proverbs 22:24-25: “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
- Proverbs 25:28: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”

Bible Verses about Anger and Bitterness
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger and bitterness:
- Ephesians 4:31: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
- Hebrews 12:15: “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”
- Acts 8:23: “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”
- Colossians 3:19: “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
- James 3:14: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.”
- Romans 3:14: “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
- Proverbs 14:10: “The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.”
- Deuteronomy 29:18: “Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.”
- Job 7:11: “Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.”
- Job 10:1: “I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.”
Bible Verses about Anger in Marriage
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger in marriage:
- Colossians 3:19: “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
- 1 Peter 3:7: “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
- Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 21:19: “It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.”
- Proverbs 19:13: “A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.”
- Proverbs 25:24: “It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.”
- James 1:19-20: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
Scriptures on Anger and Resentment
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger and resentment:
- 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, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
- Hebrews 12:15: “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:20: “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.”
- Leviticus 19:18: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
- Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
- Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- 1 John 2:9-11: “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
- Matthew 5:23-24: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
- Romans 12:19: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
- 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.”
- 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.”
Bible Verses about Anger and Revenge
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger and revenge:
- Romans 12:19: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
- Proverbs 24:29: “Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.'”
- Leviticus 19:18: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
- 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, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
- Matthew 5:38-39: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
- Luke 6:27-28: “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.”
- Romans 12:17-21: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”
- Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.”
- 1 Peter 3:9: “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
- Proverbs 25:21-22: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15: “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
Bible Verses about Anger and Jealousy
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger and jealousy:
- 1 Corinthians 3:3: “For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
- Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- James 3:14-16: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
- James 4:1-3: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
- Proverbs 14:30: “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”
- Proverbs 27:4: “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
- Proverbs 6:34-35: “For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.”

Scriptures for Anger and Hurt
Here are some powerful Bible verses about anger and hurt:
- Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Luke 6:27-28: “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.”
- 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, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
- Romans 12:14: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
- Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”
- 1 Peter 3:9: “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
- Leviticus 19:18: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15: “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
- Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
- 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.”
- Romans 12:17-21: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- Hebrews 12:15: “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”
- James 1:19-20: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Scripture on Anger: James 1:19-20
James 1:19-20 is an excellent scripture on anger:
“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.” (James 1:19-20, NIV)
This scripture on anger provides valuable guidance on how to handle and respond to anger. It encourages believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, recognizing that human anger does not lead to the righteousness that God desires.
By being quick to listen and slow to speak, we can avoid rashly reacting in anger and instead take the time to understand the situation fully. Additionally, the verse cautions against allowing anger to take root quickly, as it can lead to unrighteousness and actions that are displeasing to God.
James 1:19-20 is a powerful scripture on anger, reminding us to exercise self-control, patience, and wisdom when confronted with situations that may provoke anger. It encourages us to respond in a way that aligns with God’s righteousness and honors Him.

Scripture about Anger: Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 15:1 is an insightful scripture about anger:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)
This scripture about anger highlights the power of a gentle response in diffusing anger and avoiding escalation. It contrasts the effect of a gentle answer, which can turn away wrath, with a harsh word that stirs up anger further.
When faced with anger or wrath, responding with gentleness can be a powerful tool for defusing the situation and preventing it from escalating. A gentle answer can calm tensions and create an environment for understanding and resolution.
Proverbs 15:1 is a valuable scripture about anger, reminding us to exercise wisdom and self-control in our responses. By choosing gentle words over harsh ones, we can potentially prevent further anger and promote peace and reconciliation.
Scripture for Anger: Ephesians 4:26-27
Ephesians 4:26-27 provides essential guidance as a scripture for anger:
“‘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.” (Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV)
This scripture for anger acknowledges that anger is a human emotion that can occur, but it cautions against allowing anger to lead to sin. It instructs believers not to let the sun go down while they are still angry, as unresolved anger can create an opportunity for the devil to gain a foothold in their lives.
By addressing anger promptly and not allowing it to fester, we can prevent it from becoming a destructive force that opens the door to sin and spiritual oppression. This scripture for anger encourages us to resolve conflicts and let go of anger before the day ends, ensuring that we do not provide a foothold for the enemy.
Ephesians 4:26-27 is a powerful reminder to handle anger with wisdom and to seek reconciliation and resolution promptly, for our own spiritual well-being and to honor God.
Anger Scripture: Proverbs 14:29
Proverbs 14:29 is a valuable anger scripture:
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” (Proverbs 14:29, NIV)
This anger scripture contrasts the qualities of patience and quick-temperedness, highlighting the wisdom in exercising patience and the folly in being quick-tempered.
When faced with situations that may provoke anger, patience allows for greater understanding and a more thoughtful response. Quick-temperedness, on the other hand, leads to foolish and impulsive actions that can have negative consequences.
Proverbs 14:29 encourages us to cultivate patience, as it is a mark of great understanding and wisdom. By exercising self-control and restraint in the face of anger, we can make better decisions and avoid the folly that often accompanies a quick temper.
This anger scripture reminds us that patience is a virtue that leads to greater discernment and wise choices, while a quick temper can lead us astray and cause us to act foolishly.
Bible Verse on Anger: Ecclesiastes 7:9
Ecclesiastes 7:9 is a powerful Bible verse on anger:
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9, NIV)
This Bible verse on anger warns against being quickly provoked or allowing anger to take hold easily. It associates anger with foolishness, suggesting that those who are quick to anger are acting in a foolish manner.
By being slow to anger and not allowing ourselves to be quickly provoked, we can exercise wisdom and avoid the pitfalls associated with foolish behavior. This verse encourages us to cultivate self-control and to be mindful of the potential consequences of giving in to anger.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 is a sobering reminder that anger can lead to foolishness and unwise actions if we are not careful. It challenges us to guard our hearts and minds against being quickly provoked, and instead, to respond with patience, wisdom, and self-restraint.
Bible Verse for Anger: Psalm 37:8
Psalm 37:8 is an excellent Bible verse for anger:
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” (Psalm 37:8, NIV)
This Bible verse for anger provides a clear instruction to refrain from anger and turn away from wrath. It warns against fretting or dwelling on anger, as it can lead to evil consequences.
By refraining from anger and turning away from wrath, we can avoid the negative impacts that unchecked anger can have on our lives and relationships. This verse encourages us to exercise self-control and to seek peaceful resolutions rather than allowing anger to dictate our actions.
Psalm 37:8 is a powerful reminder that anger if left unchecked, can lead us down a path of evil and unrighteousness. It encourages us to let go of anger and to pursue a more peaceful and godly approach to dealing with conflicts or frustrations.

Bible Verse about Anger: Colossians 3:8
Colossians 3:8 is an insightful Bible verse about anger:
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (Colossians 3:8, NIV)
This Bible verse about anger groups it together with other negative emotions and behaviors, such as rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. It instructs believers to rid themselves of these harmful attitudes and actions.
By addressing anger alongside other destructive emotions and speech, this verse highlights the importance of dealing with anger in a comprehensive manner. Anger often breeds other negative emotions and behaviors, and this verse encourages us to eliminate all of them from our lives.
Colossians 3:8 is a powerful reminder that anger should not be tolerated or excused, but rather, it should be actively dealt with and removed from our hearts and minds, along with other harmful attitudes and actions.
Anger Bible Verse: Proverbs 29:11
Proverbs 29:11 is an insightful anger Bible verse:
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” (Proverbs 29:11, NIV)
This anger Bible verse contrasts the behavior of fools and the wise when it comes to dealing with rage or anger. It suggests that fools give full vent to their rage, allowing their anger to dictate their actions without restraint.
In contrast, the wise are described as bringing calm in the end. They exercise self-control and wisdom, choosing not to let their anger escalate or dominate their responses. Instead, they seek to bring a sense of calm and resolution to the situation.
Proverbs 29:11 encourages us to adopt the approach of the wise, exercising restraint and seeking to bring a calm resolution to conflicts or situations that provoke anger. It reminds us that giving full vent to rage is the path of foolishness, while wisdom lies in cultivating a calm and level-headed response.
Anger Verse: Matthew 5:22
Matthew 5:22 is a powerful anger verse:
“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.” (Matthew 5:22, NIV)
In this anger verse, Jesus addresses the seriousness of anger and the consequences it can have. He warns that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment, and those who express anger through insulting language or name-calling will face even greater consequences.
This verse highlights the importance of controlling our anger and addressing it in a godly manner, especially in our interactions with fellow believers. It suggests that unchecked anger and the expression of anger through verbal abuse or insults can have serious spiritual consequences.
Matthew 5:22 is a sobering reminder of the need to guard our hearts against anger and to cultivate a spirit of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our relationships. It challenges us to exercise self-control and to handle conflicts and disagreements with wisdom and grace, rather than allowing anger to escalate and lead us into sin.
Pastoral Perspective: Probing Deeper Into Bible Verses About Anger
What do these bible verses about anger teach us?
The scriptures on anger teach us several important lessons:
- Righteous anger against injustice is acceptable (Mark 3:5, Ephesians 4:26).
- Unchecked anger is dangerous and leads to sin (Proverbs 29:22, Psalm 37:8).
- We must be slow to anger, and quick to listen (James 1:19, Proverbs 14:29).
- Anger must be expressed constructively, not destructively (Ephesians 4:15, 26-27).
- Patience and forgiveness should characterize our responses (Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 15:1).
- God’s anger is pure and directed at wickedness (Psalm 7:11, Nahum 1:2-3).
Nuances and Subtleties of Anger Bible Verses
Some nuances regarding anger bible verses:
- Anger is not necessarily sinful but can lead to sin (Ephesians 4:26).
- Motives matter – anger can be selfish or selfless (Jonah 4:1 vs Nehemiah 5:6-7).
- Anger must be balanced with mercy and forgiveness (Psalm 103:8, Matthew 18:21-22).
- Venting anger through outbursts causes more harm than good (Proverbs 29:11).
- Slowing down angry responses allows wisdom to prevail (Proverbs 14:29, James 1:19).
- Unresolved anger festers into bitterness which poisons relationships (Ephesians 4:31, Hebrews 12:15).
Practical Steps to Deal with Anger Based on Anger Scriptures
Practical tips using anger bible verses include:
- Pray through verses asking the Holy Spirit for self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Memorize verses on patience and recite them silently when provoked
- Be quick to apologize and seek forgiveness when anger leads to sin (Matthew 5:23-24)
- Study biblical examples of constructive versus destructive anger
- Ask a trusted friend for help identifying anger triggers
- Walk away for a time-out when anger escalates (Proverbs 14:29)
- Address issues promptly before anger worsens (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Practical Strategies To Incorporate Scriptures on Anger Daily
Daily strategies to apply Bible Verses about Anger include:
- Post verses on patience around the house as visual reminders
- Share scriptures on anger with others for mutual accountability
- Listen to worship music with lyrics from anger passages
- Review verses before entering situations that commonly provoke anger
- Memorize a bible verse about anger to meditate on silently when irritated
- Write down constructive ways to address issues outlined in verses
- Journal about remaining self-controlled and forgiving during anger triggers
Transformative Force of Scriptures on Anger in Lives
I’ve seen Scriptures on Anger transform many people’s anger struggles, including:
- A man prone to road rage now memorizes James 1:19-20, which has decreased incidents.
- A recovering addict applying verses on self-control when anger triggers temptation to relapse.
- A woman abused in childhood who found freedom in forgiving others as Christ forgave her.
- A divorcing couple who experienced healing by walking through biblical reconciliation steps.
I’m continually amazed at the supernatural power of God’s Word to bring peace, justice, and forgiveness in place of destructive anger!
A Final Word on Bible Verses About Anger
If anger has been rising in you more than you want, don’t start with shame. Start with surrender. The Lord already knows what’s boiling under the surface—hurt, fear, injustice, disappointment, unmet longing. He doesn’t ask you to deny your anger. He asks you to bring it to Him so He can purify what’s right in it and heal what’s broken beneath it.
So let these Bible verses about anger guide you in real time. When you feel the heat rising, pause and pray. When you feel bitterness forming, choose the slower road of forgiveness. Over time, the Holy Spirit teaches your heart a new reflex: not to explode, not to bury it, but to respond like Jesus—firm in truth, full of love, and free on the inside.
More Scholarly Sources (for Further Study)
- David Powlison, Good and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness (New Growth Press, 2016).
- Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary (Eerdmans, 2009) — especially on Jesus’ teaching about anger (Matthew 5).
- N.T. Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters (SPCK, 2002) — helpful on Ephesians 4 and the transformation of the inner life.
- Richard B. Hays, The Moral Vision of the New Testament (HarperOne, 1996) — on righteous anger, justice, and cruciform ethics.
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