What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
Anger is a powerful emotion. It comes up in many situations. Sometimes it’s easy to justify, especially when things don’t go as planned. But what does God say about it? The Bible has a lot to say about anger, and it’s worth taking a deep dive into what we’re told.
Anger is Real
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the fact that people get angry. Even Jesus got angry. In Mark 3:5, He looked around at the people with anger because of their hardened hearts. So, anger itself isn’t a sin. It’s how we handle it that matters.
The Old Testament also shows God's anger. Psalm 7:11 tells us that God is angry with the wicked every day. But this doesn’t mean His anger is like ours. God’s anger is always just. It’s a response to sin and injustice. Our anger, on the other hand, is often clouded by selfishness or hurt.
Why We Get Angry
There are many reasons for anger. Sometimes it’s because we feel disrespected, hurt, or wronged. Other times, it’s because we have expectations that aren’t met. James 4:1-2 shows us that anger often comes from our own desires that go unfulfilled.
A lot of times, anger is a mask for deeper emotions like fear or pain. We might get mad because we’re feeling vulnerable or out of control. It’s not always easy to see, but anger can hide what’s really going on inside.
The Danger of Anger
Anger, when unchecked, can lead to problems. Proverbs 14:29 says, "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." When we let anger take over, we can end up saying or doing things we regret. It’s easy to hurt others when we act out of anger, whether with harsh words or actions.
Ephesians 4:26-27 puts it simply: “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.” Anger has the power to give Satan an opportunity to stir up more trouble in our hearts and relationships. That’s why it’s so important to deal with it quickly.
God’s Response to Our Anger
When we’re angry, God doesn’t ignore it. He understands. Psalm 103:8 tells us, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” God’s anger is always controlled, and He is quick to forgive when we repent.
If we want to grow in our faith, we need to follow God’s example. That doesn’t mean we suppress our anger or pretend it’s not there. Instead, we deal with it in a way that honors God. We seek reconciliation. We ask God to help us process the anger in a healthy way.
Handling Anger with Wisdom
The Bible offers some good advice for handling anger. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” In other words, when anger rises, we can choose to respond gently. It’s not about being weak; it’s about wisdom. A calm word can stop a fight before it starts.
Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Sometimes, the best thing we can do is let things go. Not every wrong needs to be addressed, and not every offense needs to lead to an argument. Wisdom teaches us to choose our battles and let go of small things.
Anger and Forgiveness
When anger has taken root, the next step is forgiveness. Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” This shows how important it is to address anger, especially in relationships.
Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. In Ephesians 4:31-32, we’re told to get rid of bitterness, rage, and anger. Instead, we’re to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another just as God forgave us. Forgiveness helps heal the hurt that anger causes and brings peace.
The Fruits of Patience
God calls us to develop the fruit of the Spirit, and patience is a big part of that. Galatians 5:22-23 lists patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit. When we walk closely with God, He helps us slow down, take a deep breath, and respond in ways that honor Him. This is crucial when we’re feeling angry. The more we rely on the Holy Spirit, the better we can handle our emotions and avoid letting anger control us.
Anger and the Bigger Picture
Anger isn’t just about our emotions. It’s also about our relationships with others and our walk with God. James 1:20 reminds us, “Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” If we let our anger take control, we miss out on the peace and joy that God wants to give us. But when we handle anger with wisdom and humility, it can lead to growth and stronger relationships.
Moving Forward
Anger will always be part of life. It’s a natural emotion, and it can even be helpful in certain situations. But it’s how we respond to it that makes all the difference. The Bible is clear: deal with anger quickly, forgive when needed, and walk in the Spirit’s patience and wisdom. When we do, we honor God, heal relationships, and experience peace that surpasses understanding.
Here’s a list of Bible verses that address anger:
Ephesians 4:26-27 – “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.”
James 1:19-20 – “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.”
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Psalm 37:8 – “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control than those who take a city.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Proverbs 29:22 – “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Colossians 3:8 – “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”
Mark 3:5 – “He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”
Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”