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What does the Bible say about anger?

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The Bible teaches that anger must be governed by wisdom, patience, and love, since human anger so easily becomes sinful and fails to produce God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20 calls believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Proverbs 14:29 and 19:11 commend patience and restraint, while Proverbs 15:1 shows that a gentle answer can turn away wrath. Scripture recognizes that anger may arise even in righteous concern, yet Ephesians 4:26 warns us not to let it rule or linger. In Christ, believers are called to put away explosive temper, forgive as they have been forgiven, and entrust judgment to God.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 14:29 6 votes

    He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.

  • Psalms 37:8 5 votes

    Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing.

  • Proverbs 15:1 4 votes

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

  • James 1:20 4 votes

    for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.

  • Ephesians 4:26 4 votes

    “Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,

  • James 1:19 4 votes

    So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;

  • Proverbs 29:11 3 votes

    A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:9 3 votes

    Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

  • Proverbs 19:11 3 votes

    The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

  • James 1:19-20 3 votes

    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.

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