25 Bible Verses About Anger (And How to Deal with It)

🌺  Written by Gina

Woman wondering what does the Bible say about anger.If you’re on the hunt for good Bible verses about anger because you just blew up at your kids, you’re in good company.

As a mom of five, I’ve snapped at preschoolers and I’ve raged at preteens. More often than not, my outbursts have more to do with my own exhaustion and fear rather than my kids’ misbehavior.

And then comes the self-induced guilt trip because I know this is not the loving nurturer God wants me to be to my children.

If you relate to this, be encouraged because you are not alone! Many moms that I talk to confess that mom anger is one of their biggest struggles as a parent.

Whether you’re dealing with toxic family members, you’re struggling to love others who drive you crazy, or you’re angry with God for not answering your prayers, we all deal with anger from time to time.

 

The good news is that the Scriptures on anger give us the hope, the encouragement, and the tools we need to overcome it.

We don’t have to feel powerless over our anger. With God’s help, we can learn how to deal with anger in a way that pleases God.

And while I haven’t completely mastered my angry outbursts, with the help of God’s word, prayer, my faith community and the Holy Spirit, I’ve come a long way as a parent.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does the Bible say about anger?” here are a few of the Bible verses about anger that can help you get started if you struggle with knowing how to deal with anger too.

 

 

Is Anger a Sin?

Anger is not a sin in the Bible. Rather, anger is a normal human emotion that can lead us to sin if not expressed in healthy, God-honoring ways. This is why Ephesians 4:26a warns us, “In your anger do not sin.”

The Bible assumes that we will be angry from time to time. The Bible even tells us that God, Jesus, Moses, King David, and others were all angry at various times. However, we have a responsibility to exercise self-control in our emotions, our thoughts, and our behaviors.

 

Related Reading: How to Take Every Thought Captive (This is Life Changing!)

 

What Does the Bible Say About Anger?

The Bible teaches that anger is not a sin, but it can easily lead to sin. As Christians, we should be slow to anger (James 1:19) and quick to forgive (Colossians 3:13). We should avoid unnecessary anger, strife, and division, and we should aim to live at peace with everyone whenever possible (Romans 12:18).

However, this doesn’t mean we should never be angry or that anger is sinful. As Christians, we should get angry about sin, injustice, and the evils of the world, just like God does. However, we must be careful that our anger doesn’t lead us to sin (Ephesians 4:26).

 

Related Reading: How to Put on the Full Armor of God

 

Three Types of Anger in the Bible

The vast majority of Bible verses about anger fall into 1 of 3 categories.

 

1. Bible Verses About God’s Righteous Anger.

All throughout the Bible, God expresses His righteous anger over sin.

For example, the Bible tells us that God was angry with the Israelites for grumbling in the desert (Numbers 11:33), for stealing devoted things (Joshua 7:1), for turning to idolatry (Judges 2:12-13), among other things.

Then, in the New Testament, Jesus starts flipping tables because the Pharisees were turning God’s house into a “den of robbers (Matthew 21:12–13).

 

2. Bible Verses About the Shortcomings of Human Anger

Ideally, we humans created in God’s image would direct our anger in a patient, righteous, self-sacrificing way as He does. We would always know how to deal with anger in a God-honoring way. But that’s not what usually happens.

Unlike God’s anger, human anger is often self-preserving, misguided, and out of control. It often clouds our judgment and leads to more harm (like yelling at our kids or spouse).

While anger isn’t inherently sinful, many Bible verses about anger warn us that we do need to be very careful, as anger can easily take us down sinful paths we don’t want to go. 

 

3. Bible Verses About How to Deal with Anger

Thankfully, God doesn’t leave us to figure out how to control our anger ourselves. God’s Word is full of Bible verses about anger that teach us how to deal with our anger appropriately.

For example, our anger can be a signal that we need to do some self-reflection. When I get angry with my kids, I might be afraid that their behavior reflects poorly on me, I might have unrealistic expectations stemming from my own selfishness, or I might be plain exhausted and exasperated. Each of these three causes requires a slightly different response, so it’s wise to know the difference.

 

Related Reading: Tired of Yelling at Your Kids? 5 Ways to Get Mom Anger Under Control

 

25 Bible Verses About Anger

 

1. James 1:19–20

 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: 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.

 

Here we are reminded that as followers of Christ, we should be slow to become angry, as God Himself is.

 

2. Psalm 37:8

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.”

 

While there are times when it is certainly appropriate to express anger and frustration, that doesn’t mean we should constantly be angry about everything. When possible, we should turn the other cheek and choose forgiveness, rather than anger.

 

3. 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.

 

In these Bible verses about anger, the apostle Paul explains how we have an opportunity to channel our anger so that we don’t do or say something harmful.

Instead of lashing out against other people, the healthy place to take our anger is back to God. Many of the Psalms are anger-filled prayers, sometimes even filled with violent requests! That’s because God can handle the darkest of our emotions; in fact, He wants to.

 

4. Ephesians 4:29–32

 

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

Again in the letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes instructs us further about responding to anger.

These Scriptures on anger remind us that we don’t have to do it alone. We have fellowship with other believers as well as the Holy Spirit to support us and help us respond with love and patience.

 

5. Proverbs 29:11

 

Fools give full vent to their rage,
    but the wise bring calm in the end.

 

Oof. That one sticks—let’s be wise in the ways we “vent,” whether to friends, our spouse, or our children. Just because we are angry, we don’t have to spew our anger on those around us.

 

6. Proverbs 29:22

 

An angry person stirs up conflict,
    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

 

When anger goes unchecked, it can lead to many sins.

 

7. Psalm 103:8

 

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.

 

This verse is just one verse that details His patience. The ultimate display of God’s patience and restraint of His anger is how He took His righteous judgment upon Himself in the form of Jesus, the Son, on the cross.

 

8. Genesis 6:5–7

 

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.

 

These Bible verses about anger detail God’s response to the corruption of humanity. You know the rest of the story of the flood, which brought about the righteous expression of His anger through judgment.

While He promised never to bring the floodwaters forth in this way again, humanity continued to be violent and destructive. Even as God’s plan of salvation was underway through His chosen people, Israel, they rebelled over and over.

Just do a search of the word “wrath” and you’ll get the idea about how God felt about humans continuing to be self-centered, violent, and idolatrous.

 

9. John 2:14–16

 

So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”

 

These Bible verses about anger show how Jesus, God in the flesh, expressed righteous anger when He flipped the money changers’ tables at the temple, as they were unfairly taking advantage of people who had come to worship.

Yet, while there is a place for God to express his anger, what is most profound about it is how He restrains it.

 

10. Nahum 1:3

 

The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;
    the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
    and clouds are the dust of his feet.

 

Here again, we see how the wrath of God is a powerful thing, and yet in His mercy, He restrains it and is slow to use it.

 

11. Genesis 4:6–7

 

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

 

These Bible verses about anger detail an exchange between God and Cain following Cain’s sub-par offering to the Lord.

Cain, of course, does not rule over his shame and insecurity. He doesn’t figure out how to deal with anger in a God-honoring way, but he succumbs to his misplaced anger and kills his brother Abel.

It’s easy to breeze over this story because it seems a little extreme—I’m no murderer, so how do these Bible verses about anger apply to me?

But anger is exactly where violent outbursts start. For this reason, the Bible sets the bar high.

 

12. Leviticus 19:18

 

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

 

God’s expectation for His covenant people from the beginning was to prevent angry outbursts and to choose to love. Jesus carried the command forward in His own life and teachings.

 

13. Proverbs 14:29

 

Whoever is patient has great understanding,
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

 

There are a handful of verses about anger in the book of Proverbs that paint a portrait of the dangers of human anger. This one details that patience is highly valued in a life lived in wisdom.

 

14. Proverbs 14:17

 

A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

 

Acting rashly out of a hasty temper leads to destructive outcomes, as this verse illustrates.

 

15. Proverbs 15:18

 

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

 

This Proverb details what happens when we give in to our angry impulses and how they can affect others—and likewise the benefit of patience and self-control.

 

16. Proverbs 16:32

 

Better a patient person than a warrior,
    one with self-control than one who takes a city.

 

Here, controlling anger is described as better than being a conquering hero, which would have been especially meaningful in the ancient world.

 

17. Proverbs 19:11

 

A person’s wisdom yields patience;
    it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

 

Rather than snapping back or acting out in vengeance, this verse reminds us that it is better to let insults and offenses slide off our backs (can you imagine if people did this more on social media?).

 

18. Proverbs 12:16

 

Fools show their annoyance at once,
    but the prudent overlook an insult.

 

In a very similar way, this Proverb reminds us to overlook insults and have self-control over our annoyance.

 

19. Proverbs 15:1

 

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

 

This verse is about preventing anger in others (which a calm and patient person will do) by choosing our words carefully.

 

20. Proverbs 22:24–25

 

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
    do not associate with one easily angered,
 or you may learn their ways
    and get yourself ensnared.

 

These Bible verses about anger are especially challenging—not only are we to avoid acting out of anger ourselves, but even associating with others who are easily angered can influence us in a bad way!

 

21. Matthew 5:21–24

 

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 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.

“Therefore, 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.”

 

Wow! What are we to do with these powerful Bible verses about anger from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?

The calling to be godly in human anger is practically impossible. Throughout the Bible, we see failure after failure of humans trying to figure out how to deal with anger in a righteous way. There’s a reason He’s the ultimate judge and we are not!

Fortunately, through his immeasurable grace, God offers a better way for us to learn how to deal with anger today.

Remember that there are more Bible verses about anger that instruct us on how to manage our anger in a Christ-like way.

 

Related Reading:  Four Ways You Can Prevent Mom Anger Before It Starts

 

22. Romans 12:17–19

 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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.

 

In these Bible verses about anger, we’re reminded to leave the righteous anger and the justice to God, and to live at peace without revenge.

 

23. Colossians 3:7–10

 

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

 

I love these Bible verses about anger because they provide so much hope for those of us who struggle with it. We have the power to overcome anger because we are being renewed as Christ’s followers and in His image.

 

24. Galatians 5:19–25

 

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. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

 

In these famous verses, we see a clear contrast between a life lived by impulse and a life lived by the Spirit. Again, I find them to be hopeful because we find the strength to overcome fits of anger and other works of the flesh when we walk in step with the Spirit.

 

25. 1 Timothy 2:8

 

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

 

These instructions illustrate that anger can be diffused by going to God in prayer.

 

These Bible verses about anger just scratch the surface when it comes to the deep waters of the human heart and how to navigate it. But hopefully, they’re a good start, especially if you’re a mama like me who just wants to be better for her kids.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does the Bible say about anger?” or you’re a mom who wants to learn more about how to navigate your angry feelings in a godly way, be sure to check out my Patient Mama Blueprint.

 

What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to dealing with anger? Do you have any favorite Bible verses about anger that you go to?

Gina Poirier

About the author

Gina Poirier is a happily married mom of five, stress management coach and writer who helps overwhelmed, exhausted moms find peace and purpose in the everyday. You can find her at her website, GinaMPoirier.com.

  1. I have trouble with anger outbursts and saying very unkind things to my kids every other day. It is not their fault. I am 53 today and I menopause and I know those who are in this stage are prone to anger outbursts but I hate it!!! I take a menopause mes that is over the counter and it creeps up on me and I hate it. Before I can even think I am in a race emotionally and after about 15-30 minutes I calm down but the verbal damage is done. I have wonderful teen daughters and they deserve better!!!😞😞😞🥲🥲🥲

    Sick of myself

    1. Hello, Marion, I am thankful for you sharing your story. All we can do is strive to be better one day at a time. The Lord is working in us all, and it is your acknowledgement of your struggles that make you improve.

    2. Thank you for sharing your story, Marion! You are certainly not alone in having angry outbursts. As I said in the post, there are usually underlying reasons behind anger. Hormones are powerful, especially when combined with other emotional triggers. As Brittany said, acknowledgement (confession) is a great step. Do you think you could dig a little deeper and prayerfully explore where the feelings may be coming from? Sometimes journaling or talking with a trusted advisor or counselor can be very helpful. Praying for your healing and growth!

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