Bible Verses About Anger

Scriptures about anger, self-control, and responding with patience rather than wrath.

King James Version
19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20
1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Ephesians 4:26
11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Proverbs 29:11
8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Psalms 37:8
29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Proverbs 14:29
8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Colossians 3:8
18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Proverbs 15:18
9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 16:32
31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Ephesians 4:31

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Related Topics

PatiencePeaceForgivenessKindness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about anger?

James 1:19-20 instructs being 'slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.' Ephesians 4:26 says 'Be ye angry, and sin not' — anger itself isn't always sinful, but how we respond matters.

How should Christians handle anger?

Proverbs 15:1 says 'A soft answer turneth away wrath.' The Bible teaches self-control (Proverbs 16:32), not nursing anger (Ephesians 4:26), and putting away all bitterness and wrath (Ephesians 4:31).

Is anger ever righteous?

Yes — Jesus displayed righteous anger when He cleansed the temple (John 2:14-16), and God's wrath against injustice is a biblical theme. Ephesians 4:26 implies anger can be sin-free. Righteous anger is directed at injustice and sin, not personal offense. It is slow to arise (James 1:19), controlled, and aims to correct wrong rather than harm people.