Topic hub
Bible verses about anger
Passages on righteous anger, sinful wrath, self-control, slow anger, and how Scripture teaches people to handle fury without being ruled by it.
What does the Bible say about anger?
The Bible does not treat anger as automatically sinful. God himself is described as angry. But the Bible draws a sharp line between anger that serves justice and anger that devours the person who holds it. Slowness to anger is praised throughout Proverbs and the Psalms.
These verses help when you are struggling with anger, looking for what the Bible says about wrath, or trying to understand the difference between righteous anger and destructive rage.
Key passages
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words.
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"
Be angry and sin not; do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Notice the particulars wherewith we should adorn our Christian profession. Take heed of every thing contrary to truth.
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"
Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. Instead of blaming God under our trials, let us open our ears and hearts to learn what he teaches by them. And if men would govern their tongues, they must govern their passions.
"In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge."
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence. Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death.
"Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools."
Anger rests in the bosom of fools. The event of our trials and difficulties is often better than at first we thought. Surely it is better to be patient in spirit, than to be proud and hasty.
"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world.
Main takeaways
- Being slow to anger is a mark of wisdom and strength.
- Anger is permitted but must not be allowed to curdle into sin.
- A soft answer and self-control are the Bible's practical counsel against wrath.
Related books
Related people
Related places
The city at the heart of biblical kingship, temple worship, the passion narratives, and Christian memory.
Reading paths
A compact route through creation, covenant, exodus, kingship, prophecy, Christ, and new creation.
Further guides
What are the seven deadly sins?
The famous list of pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth: where it comes from, whether it is in the Bible, and how it relates to Scripture.