What does the Bible say about anger management?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that anger must be governed by faith, humility, and love, put away when it becomes sinful, and answered with patience and gentleness. Ephesians 4:26-27 permits righteous anger but warns us not to let it linger or give the devil an opportunity. James 1:19-20 calls believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, since human wrath does not produce God’s righteousness. Proverbs commends self-control, overlooking offenses, and soft answers, while warning that fools vent their feelings and hot tempers stir conflict. Because angry quarrels often arise from sinful desires within us, James 4:1-2 directs us toward repentance. In Christ, believers are called to put away wrath and seek peace.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:26-27 8 votes
“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil.
- James 1:19-20 7 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.
- Proverbs 29:11 6 votes
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
- Proverbs 19:11 5 votes
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
- James 1:20 5 votes
for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.
- Proverbs 15:1 4 votes
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9 4 votes
Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- Colossians 3:8 3 votes
but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Proverbs 15:18 3 votes
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
- James 4:1-2 3 votes
Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members? You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.
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