What does the Bible say about anger?
Scripture treats anger with surgical honesty. It is not condemned outright — even God is described as angry — but it is repeatedly named as something that, left unchecked, ruins lives and relationships. The Bible's counsel is consistent: feel it, do not rehearse it, do not let it set the agenda, and do not let the sun go down while you nurse it.
Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.
Bible verses about anger
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil."
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"Ye knowthis, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
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"A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger."
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"He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
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"A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it."
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"but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:"
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"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing."
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"but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire."
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Frequently asked
Is it a sin to be angry according to the Bible?
Anger itself is not labeled a sin. Ephesians 4:26 says, 'Be angry, and don't sin.' What the Bible warns against is anger that lingers, controls, or harms others.
What does Proverbs say about a quick temper?
Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the foolish, who 'utter all his anger,' with the wise, who hold it back (Proverbs 29:11). A patient spirit is treated as evidence of understanding (Proverbs 14:29).
How should Christians handle anger today?
Address the cause quickly, do not let resentment compound (Ephesians 4:26-27), respond with a soft answer (Proverbs 15:1), and forgive as God forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
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