What does the Bible say about controlling anger?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that anger must be governed by faith, patience, and love, for human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:19-20 calls believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, while Proverbs commends gentle answers, patience, and overlooking offenses. Ephesians 4:26-27 recognizes that anger may arise but warns us not to let it become sin or give the devil an opportunity. Christians are to put away bitterness, wrath, and malice, replacing them with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness in Christ (Ephesians 4:31-32). By God's grace, self-control reflects trust in his righteous judgment.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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 15:1 6 votes
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Proverbs 14:29 5 votes
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
- Ephesians 4:26-27 4 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.
- Ephesians 4:32 4 votes
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Ephesians 4:31 3 votes
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice.
- Proverbs 19:11 3 votes
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
- James 1:26 3 votes
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
- Ephesians 4:31-32 3 votes
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.
- Proverbs 16:32 3 votes
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
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