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.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:26-27
[26] "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath, [27] neither give place to the devil.
- 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.
- Matthew 5:22
But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
- Colossians 3:8
but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Proverbs 14:29
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who has a quick temper displays folly.
- Proverbs 22:24-25
[24] Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, And don't associate with one who harbors anger: [25] Lest you learn his ways, And ensnare your soul.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9
Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all of his anger, But a wise man brings himself under control.
- Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
- Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up contention, But one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
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