What God Says About Anger in the Bible

Introduction

This study is part of a series of free online studies on anger. It is adapted from Victory over Grumpiness, Irritation, and Anger.

Our anger usually is not righteous anger

Angry people usually justify their anger, saying it’s someone else’s fault they are angry. Yet the Bible repeatedly warns us against giving in to anger when we are upset by other people’s words or actions.

There is such a thing as righteous anger. And sometimes we need to talk about problems or deal with dangerous situations. (Even at these times, we must exercise self-control.) Yet most of the time, our anger is not righteous. As James wrote, “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20).

When we give in to anger, we often focus on our own welfare, comfort or happiness. Instead, we should be primarily concerned about other people’s welfare and being a good witness for God.

As you can see in the following Scriptures, God does not want us to simply react emotionally to others’ actions. Instead, we should respond with wisdom and a gentle spirit.

Related: Identify when you get angry

Related: Antidotes to anger

Warnings about anger

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (Psalm 37:8)

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated. (Proverbs 14:16-17)

It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (Proverbs 20:3)

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day. (Proverbs 27:15)

Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. (Proverbs 29:8)

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. (Proverbs 29:22)

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment … first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:21-24)

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Colossians 3:19)

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. (Proverbs 12:16)

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions. (Galatians 5:19-20)

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. (Colossians 3:8)

Your anger grieves God

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:30-31)

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)

Overcome evil with good

“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. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:26-32)

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)

Jesus said to love your enemies, but that’s a hard thing to do. Read this free online Bible study on how to love your enemies for practical, life-giving tips.

Related: How to love your enemies

Pray to be patient and kind

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. (2 Timothy 2:24)

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (Proverbs 15:18)

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. (Proverbs 17:27)

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you. (Proverbs 20:22)

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:11)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Guard your heart—draw close to Jesus

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40)

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” (Galatians 6:4)

Stay alert as you go through the day

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)

“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

Prayerfully prepare if you will be with angry people

“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.” (Proverbs 22:24-25)

“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” (Proverbs 15:18)

“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.” (Proverbs 3:31-32)

“Do not envy the violent or be resentful of their ways, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.” (Proverbs 24:1-2, 19-20)

Prayerfully prepare before entering dangerous settings

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” (Proverbs 4:14-15)

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21)

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1)

“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” (Proverbs 4:14-15)

“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.” (Proverbs 14:7)

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)

Related: More Bible studies on anger

Next: Stop, think, pray when you are angry