25 Bible Verses About Anger (With Commentary)

Anger can be a tough emotion to handle, often leading us into trouble or hurting those we care about. The Bible has wisdom that speaks directly to our struggles with anger, showing us a better path.

Our post dives deep into scripture to find peace and strategies for managing fiery tempers. Discover what the Good Book says!

Understanding Anger

Ephesians 4:26

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,"

Ephesians 4:26 tells us it’s okay to feel angry about bad things, but we shouldn’t let that anger cause us to do wrong. Before the day ends, we should calm down and fix our problems.

This way, anger won’t control us or lead to holding grudges. The verse guides Christians to deal with their anger in a healthy way that fits what the Bible says.

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."

James 1:19-20 tells us to listen well and not get mad quickly. It says when we let our anger out, it doesn’t help us live the good life God wants for us. We show wisdom and self-control by being patient and calm.

This helps us do what is right in God’s eyes instead of just following our own angry feelings.

Proverbs 29:11

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."

Proverbs 29:11 tells us that a wise person stays calm and doesn’t let anger take over. They keep their composure. A foolish one spills out all their anger, like water pouring out with no control.

The smart move is to hold back and show selfcontrol, not letting our temper lead us into trouble. This verse reminds us that having patience and restraint can stop a lot of problems before they start.

Proverbs 15:1

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

A gentle response has the power to calm things down. If someone yells, a soft answer from you can turn their anger away. Talking with kindness instead of rough words makes a big difference.

It’s wise to control what we say and how we say it. This helps us solve problems without making them worse.

Proverbs 14:17

"A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated."

Someone who gets angry quickly does dumb things and can make others not like them. It’s better to stay calm and have self-control. When we lose our temper, we often act without thinking and end up doing stuff that hurts us or makes people turn away from us.

That’s why it’s smart to take a breath and not let anger push us to do things we’ll regret later.

The Consequences of Anger

Anger can burn like fire and hurt others. It can lead to bitterness and fights. If you let anger control you, it might make you sin or push God away. Even when something bad happens, staying calm is better than getting mad.

Being angry all the time can trap you in more anger. Like being caught in a net, it’s hard to get out once you’re in there. Anger shows the bad side that should not be part of us. It’s important to let go of anger before it grows into hate or leads to harm.

Proverbs 14:29

"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly."

Being slow to anger shows great understanding, according to Proverbs 14:29. It tells us that if you stay calm and think before you act, you are wise. On the other hand, getting mad quickly can lead to silly mistakes.

This verse teaches us the power of patience and self-discipline. It reminds us that keeping our temper in check helps us make better choices instead of doing things we might later regret.

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 22:24-25 tells us to stay away from people who get angry fast. It says if you make friends with someone who is quick to anger, you might learn their ways and get trapped. This means it’s good to be careful about who we spend time with because bad tempers can spread.

If you hang around irritable or short-tempered folks, their habits may rub off on you.

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."

In Matthew 5:22, Jesus talks about anger and how it is as bad as hurting someone. He says if you are angry with someone, it’s like you’re guilty of doing wrong in court. The verse even tells us not to call others names like “You good-for-nothing.” There’s a big point here about not having rage without a good reason.

If your temper is because of sin or bad things, it might be okay, but you should never let that turn into hate or calling people mean words. This teaches us that our feelings can be powerful and we must control them right.

Proverbs 29:22

"A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression."

An angry person often starts fights and a hot-tempered one does wrong things. Proverbs 29:22 tells us that anger can lead to big problems, like more arguing and bad actions. It warns us to stay calm and not let our tempers cause trouble or sin.

We must watch out because being mad a lot might keep us away from salvation. The Bible teaches us to seek peace instead of getting caught in anger’s harmful ways.

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."

Galatians 5:19-21 tells us about bad things like anger and jealousy. These feelings hurt us and others. They are grouped with other wrong actions such as lying or being selfish. This part of the Bible says we must grow in our spirits and control ourselves to stay away from these sins.

It’s important to change angry habits into good behaviors to live a better life.

Managing and Overcoming Anger

Colossians 3:8

"But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth."

Colossians 3:8 tells us to throw away bad things like mean anger and hurtful talk. It asks us to stop saying awful words that hurt others. We should get rid of every bit of spite, rude speech, and all other wrong ways we act when we’re mad.

This verse is like a guide telling Christians to live with kind hearts and clean language.

It’s clear that God wants our words to be good and helpful, not filled with anger or mean insults. By following what Colossians 3:8 says, people can show love instead of hate in what they say and do.

Proverbs 15:18

"A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention."

A person who gets angry fast can cause a lot of trouble. Proverbs 15:18 tells us they stir up fights instead of calming things down. But if someone stays cool and doesn’t get mad so easily, they can stop arguments from getting worse.

It’s much better to be patient and not quick to anger, as that helps keep peace with others.

Proverbs 19:11

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."

Proverbs 19:11 tells us that it’s smart to wait before getting angry. When someone does something wrong to us, choosing not to get upset right away shows we have self-control. It’s even better when we can forgive and move on instead of holding a grudge.

This verse reminds us that staying calm and showing patience is the best way to deal with problems. People respect those who don’t let their anger take over and who think before they act.

James 4:1-2

"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."

James 4:1-2 tells us that fights come from wanting what we can’t have. It says you may want something badly, but don’t get it. You might even be ready to fight and take by force.

But this only leads to more trouble and doesn’t give you peace or help from God. This passage teaches us to look at our own hearts when we feel angry instead of blaming others or picking fights over things we want.

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."

Ephesians 4:31-32 tells us to let go of all bitterness, rage and anger. It says not to shout at others or say mean things, and stop trying to hurt people with our words. Instead, we should be kind and caring to everyone, forgiving them just like God forgave us through Jesus.

This means when someone makes us mad, we don’t stay angry but choose to forgive instead. Forgiving can take away the heavy feelings of anger in our hearts.

God’s Perspective on Anger

Psalm 37:8

"Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil."

Let go of anger and leave behind rage. Don’t let frustration take over because it only brings trouble. Psalm 37:8 tells us to drop those feelings that can lead to doing wrong things.

It’s about choosing not to stay mad or hold on to bitterness, but instead looking for peace and the right way forward.

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 16:32 tells us that being patient and in control of our feelings is a big deal. It says if you can stay calm and not get angry easily, you are stronger than someone who can win battles or take over cities.

Controlling your anger shows true inner strength and selfcontrol. It’s like being the boss of your own emotions instead of letting them push you around. This verse teaches us to keep cool and show that we have great emotional regulation, which is way better than just being physically strong.

James 1:19

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;"

James 1:19 tells us to listen well and stay calm. We should not let anger take over. This verse says it’s better to have self-control and be patient. When we get mad, it doesn’t help us do what God wants.

Instead, we should talk in a way that shows understanding and keeps the peace.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

"Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools."

Ecclesiastes 7:9 tells us to keep our cool and not get angry fast. It says that getting mad quickly is a foolish thing to do. Being patient and calm shows wisdom, while letting anger control you does not.

Holding onto peace instead of giving into rage or irritation is the smarter choice. This part of the Bible helps us see how important it is to have self-discipline and manage our tempers well.

Proverbs 25:28

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

Proverbs 25:28 tells us that a person without self-control is like a city with broken walls. Just as walls protect a city from danger, our ability to control our emotions keeps us safe from trouble.

When we let anger rule, we lose inner peace and open ourselves up to problems. It’s important to fight off temptations and keep calm so that we don’t act in ways we might regret later.

The Bible teaches that while some anger can be right, it should always be controlled and never last too long.

Examples and Teachings on Anger

Matthew 21:12-13

"And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, 'It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.'"

Jesus showed anger in the temple because people were not using it right. They had turned a holy place into a market. He made them leave and reminded everyone that the temple was for prayer, not selling things.

His strong actions showed he cared deeply for God’s house and its true purpose.

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."

Ephesians 4:26 tells us it’s okay to feel angry but don’t let the sun go down while we are still mad. This means we should solve our problems before the day ends. Verse 27 warns not to give the devil a way to cause trouble.

It’s like opening a door for bad things if we stay angry.

Jonah 4:4

"And the Lord said, 'Do you do well to be angry?'"

Jonah 4:4 shows us God asking Jonah a powerful question. “Do you have good reason to be angry?” This makes us think about why we get mad. God is full of grace and slow to get angry, even when people upset Him.

He loves deeply and has lots of patience. We can learn from this verse. It teaches us to look at things the way God does. Instead of letting anger control us, we should show mercy and kindness like He does.

2 Kings 11:9-10

"So the commanders of the units of a hundred did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded. Each took his men who were to go off duty on the Sabbath with those who were to come on duty on the Sabbath and came to Jehoiada the priest. And to the guards they gave the spears and shields that had been King David’s, which were in the house of the Lord."

Solomon made God very angry because he did not obey. God had been good to Solomon, but Solomon chose to turn away and follow other gods. This made the Lord upset because He wanted Solomon and his people to stay faithful.

The story in 2 Kings shows us that when someone disobeys God on purpose, it can lead to serious trouble. It is an example of how bad choices can make God displeased.

Proverbs 21:19

"It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman."

Proverbs 21:19 gives a strong warning about living with someone who loves to fight and argue. It says it’s better to be alone in the desert than in a house with a wife who is always picking fights and nagging.

This advice tells us that peace at home is very valuable, and constant arguing can make life really hard. The book of Proverbs often talks about how important it is to stay away from relationships that make you feel bad all the time.

Dealing with an angry wife might need patience and love, but avoiding endless fights is also key for happiness.

Conclusion

In the Bible, we find many verses that tell us about anger. They help us see it’s important to stay calm and not let our tempers control us. The Bible says we can overcome anger by being kind and forgiving each other.

Remember these words when you feel mad, and they can guide you to peace.

FAQs

1. Where in the Bible can I find verses about anger?

You can find verses about anger in several books of the Bible, like Proverbs, Ephesians, and James.

2. Is all anger considered bad in the Bible?

No, the Bible does not say all anger is bad; it suggests being slow to anger and avoiding sin when angry.

3. What does the Bible teach us to do with our anger?

The Bible teaches us to calm down before acting out of anger and to settle arguments quickly.

4. Can reading the Bible help me control my anger?

Yes, reading the Bible can provide guidance on how to manage and control your emotions, including anger.

5. Does the Bible offer advice for people who struggle with feeling angry often?

Yes, there are many verses that offer wisdom and encouragement for those who deal with frequent anger.