Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
15 Best Bible Verses About Anger
The truth is, there is always something happening that could make us angry. Turn on the “news,” scroll social media, listen to office gossip. Literally, anywhere we turn nowadays could lead us down a path of frustration if we are not careful. This is why it is so important to not only limit triggering factors (turn off the news! limit social media!), but remain in control of our emotions. We do this by knowing the Word of God and remaining steadfast in prayer.
It is worth noting here that anger in and of itself is not a bad thing. It is a natural emotion that can actually serve a positive purpose so long as it is used in the appropriate context and as the appropriate response. Jesus Himself was angered at times, but His anger was always the appropriate response and justified. Thus, anger is not sin. It is the expression of anger that can be.
Throughout Scripture, unrighteous, unprovoked, vengeful and wrathful anger is strongly condemned. This kind of anger is harmful (if not catastrophic) to families, friendships, relationships, careers, our world and, yes, our salvation. Moreover, this kind of anger takes a negative toll on us physically, emotionally and spiritually leaving us drained of energy, bitter and resentful. Make no mistake, the devil loves when we are angry. He provokes us to lash out and hurt other people because in so doing, we will inevitably hurt ourselves in the process. By losing our temper and harboring anger towards another moreover, we will be zapped of our power and blessing, alienated from others (which opens us up to further attacks), prevents answered prayer, and causes increased strife which prevents us from living our best life — the life God has desired for us (see Ephesians 6:12).
So if you are feeling angry today, it is time for a mental re-set. It is time to stop those mounting feelings of anger in their tracks (see Psalm 37:8). One of the best ways to do this is by reading Scripture and understanding what God says about anger. What are the warnings? What are the consequences? This is also crucial for overcoming feelings of depression, dark forces trying their best to hold you back. Understanding God’s Word on the issue of anger will not only protect you, but will fully restore peace to your soul.
As you read over these 15 Best Bible Verses for Anger, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of anger holding you back. With the power of Jesus Christ, He will assist you in weeding them out and replacing them with acts of forgiveness, kindness, love and mercy — the keys to God’s heart (*see Galatians 5:22-23). When we do our part, the Lord will show up in a mighty way and do His.
15 Best Bible Verses about Anger
James 1:19-20
“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.”
Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to [more] evil.”
Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
“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.”
“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.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
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.”
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.”
Colossians 3:7-10
“You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of [your] Creator.”
Proverbs 22:24-25
“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.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
Psalm 4:3-5
“But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. Be angry, and [yet] do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds [instead], and be silent. Selah. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.”
Proverbs 14:29
“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.”
Leviticus 19:17-18
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 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 19:11
“A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.”
Psalm 86:15
“But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
The Lord’s attributes as it pertains to anger
We are called to be men and women of God, controlling our anger and growing in all the beautiful and righteous virtues of Christ. However, our good and just Lord will not expect of us what He Himself is not (or does not possess). Here are 5 powerful Bible verses describing the Lord’s attributes as it pertains to anger:
Psalm 145:8
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
Exodus 34:6-7
The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.
Psalm 30:5
For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Nahum 1:3
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of His feet.
Psalm 103:8
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
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