The Bible has quite a bit to say about anger. In the New Testament, Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
This passage suggests that it is okay to feel anger, but it is important to not let it control you and to address it quickly before it causes harm.
What is anger in the Bible?
In the Bible, anger is typically seen as a negative emotion that can lead people to sin or act in unrighteous ways.
In Ephesians 4:26-27, for example, it says “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
This passage suggests that anger in and of itself is not a sin, but it is important to avoid letting it control you and lead you to sin.
In other passages, such as Proverbs 14:29 and James 1:19-20, anger is described as something that can lead to foolish or harmful behavior if it is not properly managed.
Overall, the Bible encourages people to avoid anger and to instead act with love, forgiveness, and patience.
What does the bible say about Anger?
The Bible has many passages that discuss anger and how to handle it in a healthy and constructive way. Here are five things the Bible says about anger:
1. Ephesians 4:26 says “be angry and do not sin” and to “let not the sun go down on your wrath.”
This suggests that it is okay to experience anger, but we should not let it control us or lead us to sin.
2. Proverbs 29:11 says “a fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
This passage encourages us to exercise self-control when we feel angry and to avoid acting impulsively or irrationally.
3. Colossians 3:8-9 says “put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”
This passage encourages us to let go of anger and other negative emotions and to speak in a way that is kind and respectful.
4. James 1:19-20 says “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.”
This passage reminds us to listen carefully and thoughtfully before we speak, and to avoid getting angry too quickly.
5. Psalm 37:8 says “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
This passage encourages us to avoid anger altogether, as it can lead us down a destructive path. Instead, we should focus on letting go of our anger and finding peace in our hearts.
6. Matthew 5:22 says, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
This passage shows that God takes our anger seriously and holds us accountable for how we handle it.
7. Romans 12:19 says, “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.”
This passage reminds us that revenge is not our responsibility, and we should trust God to handle it in His own time and way.
8. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This passage suggests that our words and actions can either help diffuse anger or escalate it. We should strive to respond to anger with kindness and understanding.
9. James 1:19-20 says, “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.
” This passage reminds us to listen carefully and thoughtfully before we speak, and to avoid getting angry too quickly.
10. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, “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.”
This passage warns us to avoid close relationships with people who are prone to anger, as their behavior can influence us and lead us into difficult or dangerous situations.
What Does the Bible Say About Making Mistakes
7 Bible Verses about Anger
- Ephesians 4:26 – “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
- Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
- Colossians 3:8-9 – “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
- James 1:19-20 – “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.”
- Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
- 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.'”
Prayer to Help Fight Anger
Dear God,
I come before you today struggling with anger. I know that this emotion is not from you, and I want to let go of it and be filled with your peace and love.
Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, and to see them through your eyes of compassion and mercy. Give me the strength to let go of my anger and to respond to difficult situations with grace and patience.
I pray that you would guide me in my thoughts and actions, and help me to always speak and act in a way that is honoring to you.
Thank you for your love and guidance. In your name I pray, Amen.
Is it a Sin to be Angry?
It is not a sin to experience anger. In fact, the Bible indicates that it is natural and normal to feel angry in certain situations (Ephesians 4:26).
However, it is important to handle our anger in a healthy and constructive way, rather than allowing it to control us and lead us to sin.
The Bible warns us against letting our anger boil over and causing harm to others.
For example, in Matthew 5:22, Jesus says, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
This suggests that it is not okay to act on our anger in a way that harms others or breaks God’s commandments.
Therefore, it is not a sin to experience anger, but it can become a sin if we allow it to control us and lead us to hurt others or act in ungodly ways.
It is important to seek God’s help in managing our anger and responding to difficult situations in a way that honors Him.
5 Biblical Examples of Anger
In Genesis 4:1-8, we see the story of Cain and Abel, in which Cain becomes angry and jealous of his brother’s offering to God, and he kills Abel out of anger.
In Exodus 32:19, we see the story of Moses coming down from Mount Sinai and finding the Israelites worshiping a golden calf. In his anger, Moses throws the tablets with the Ten Commandments down and breaks them.
In 1 Kings 19:1-18, we see the story of Elijah fleeing from Queen Jezebel after defeating the prophets of Baal. In his anger and fear, Elijah prays for God to take his life.
In Psalm 37:8, we see the psalmist warning against anger, saying, “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
In Ephesians 4:26, Paul advises the Ephesian church to “be angry and do not sin” and to “let not the sun go down on your wrath.”
This suggests that it is okay to experience anger, but we should not let it control us or lead us to sin.
Final Word on Anger
The Bible has much to say about anger and how to handle it in a healthy and constructive way.
While it is natural and normal to feel angry in certain situations, the Bible warns us against letting our anger boil over and causing harm to others.
We are advised to exercise self-control, forgive others, and trust God to handle revenge and judgment.
At the same time, the Bible also reminds us that it is okay to experience anger, and we should not try to suppress or deny it.
Instead, we should seek to understand our anger and to find healthy and appropriate ways to express it.
This may involve talking to someone about our feelings, praying for guidance and help, or finding healthy outlets for our emotions.
Ultimately, the key to handling anger in a biblical way is to trust in God and to seek His guidance and help in managing our emotions.
As we turn to Him and rely on His love and wisdom, He will help us to let go of our anger and to find peace and joy in Him.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
