What the Bible says
What does the Bible say about anger?
God’s anger is always righteous, and he is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8). Human anger is rarely righteous, for “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20), so believers are told to be slow to anger, not to let the sun go down on their anger, and to put away wrath and forgive one another (Ephesians 4:26-32).
Key Bible verses about anger
- James 1:19-20
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.
- Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil.
- Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Colossians 3:8
but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Proverbs 14:29
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
- Proverbs 16:32
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
- Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
- Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9
Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
- Psalm 103:8
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.
Scripture: World English Bible (public domain). Short quotations in the introduction are from the ESV. Read each passage in its chapter for the full context.
From the Baptist Catechism
- Q74. What is required in the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life and the life of others.
- Q75. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment forbids the taking away our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tends thereto.