What does the Bible say about lashing out in anger?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that lashing out in anger is sinful and destructive, calling believers instead to Spirit-enabled patience, self-control, and gracious speech. James 1:19-20 urges us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Ephesians 4:26-27 recognizes that anger may arise but commands us not to let it become sin or give the devil opportunity. Proverbs 15:1 commends a gentle answer, while Proverbs 29:11 contrasts the fool who vents anger with the wise person who restrains it. In Christ, believers are to put away wrath and malice, confess sinful outbursts, seek reconciliation, and rely on the Holy Spirit to grow in love.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- James 1:19-20 8 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.
- Ephesians 4:26-27 6 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.
- Proverbs 15:1 6 votes
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Proverbs 29:11 6 votes
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
- Matthew 5:22 5 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 5 votes
but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9 5 votes
Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
- Proverbs 14:29 5 votes
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
- Galatians 5:19-21 5 votes
Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, 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 God’s Kingdom.
- Proverbs 22:24-25 5 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.
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