What does the Bible say about fits of anger?
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The Bible warns that fits of anger are sinful works of the flesh that harm others and contradict the new life Christ gives, calling believers instead to patient, Spirit-produced self-control. Galatians 5:19-21 includes outbursts of anger among deeds that exclude those who persist in them from God’s kingdom. Yet Scripture distinguishes temptation and righteous concern from sinful wrath: Ephesians 4:26 says not to let anger lead to sin or linger. James 1:19-20 urges believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Through repentance, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit, Christians are to put away rage and answer gently, as Colossians 3:8 and Proverbs 15:1 teach.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
- Ephesians 4:26
"Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath,
- Ecclesiastes 7:9
Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
- James 1:19
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
- James 1:20
for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God.
- James 1:19-20
[19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God.
- Colossians 3:8
but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up contention, But one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
- Galatians 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
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