What does the Bible say about harboring anger?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that harboring anger is spiritually dangerous, calling believers to put it away quickly and pursue patience, forgiveness, and peace through God’s grace. Ephesians 4:26-27 permits righteous anger but forbids nursing it, lest the devil gain an opportunity. James 1:19-20 teaches believers to be slow to anger because human wrath does not produce God’s righteousness. Jesus warns in Matthew 5:22 that contemptuous, settled anger toward others is a serious matter before God. Proverbs commends self-control and patience, while Ecclesiastes 7:9 cautions against keeping anger in the heart. In Christ, Christians are called to repent of bitterness, seek reconciliation, and trust the Lord’s righteous judgment.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:26-27 9 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.
- Matthew 5:22 6 votes
But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
- Colossians 3:8 6 votes
but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Proverbs 14:29 6 votes
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
- Proverbs 22:24-25 6 votes
Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man. Don’t associate with one who harbors anger, lest you learn his ways and ensnare your soul.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9 5 votes
Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- Proverbs 29:11 5 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.
- Proverbs 15:18 5 votes
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
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