35 Bible Verses About Anger

There are many Bible verses about anger, by reading it we can understand how to control anger in our life and what are the benefits if a person drinks anger. In addition, the Bible also tells us about the consequences that we have to bear if we react with anger.

There are many figures in the Bible; God spoke about their anger in the Bible. Moses spent his life in the service of God. He conveyed the message of God to the people and tried to bring them to the right path. God also gave a lot of favors to Israelites, but despite that, they took the path of idolatry. Moses was very angry at this and in a state of anger; he also broke the tablets that were from God. Apart from this, Solomon was a very wise prophet. About this, the Bible says that Solomon always explained to people about anger and said that anger should not be done by a person. It destroys the peace of human life.

Similarly, Samuel once chose Saul as the king of Israel on people’s demand. Saul was the first king of Israel. He disobeyed God. Saul was very angry when God chose David as king of Israel instead of him. He was also very jealous of David. Due to this anger, he faced many difficulties. The Bible also mentions Elijah, who stood up against the false gods, he was very angry with these false prophets. The Bible also describes his anger. In general, the teachings of the Bible are to control anger and to be compassionate and kind.

Understanding The Anger

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Genesis 4:5-7

Verse

But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Explanation

In the story of Abel and Cain, God has described the anger of Cain . When God did not accept Cain’s sacrifice and accepted Abel’s sacrifice, Cain was very angry about it. That is why God chose his sacrifice instead of me. He got angry and killed his brother Abel. In this verse it is stated that anger fades away the sense and provokes a person to do things that he should not do.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Exodus 34:6-7

Verse

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Explanation

God is telling Moses that God is very merciful. He forgives people despite their mistakes. When people commit sins, He does not get angry immediately and does not punish them, but gives them time until they realize and come back to God.  When anyone asks for forgiveness, God forgives them. This taught us that one should not be angry immediately but should act with mercy.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 37:8

Verse

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Explanation

In this verse, we are taught that anger harms a person. Therefore, instead of getting angry, one should remain calm. Anger destroys a person’s intellect. Further, man doesn’t have any idea what he is doing. Therefore, anger should be avoided.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 14:17

Verse

A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that anger should always be kept under control, whenever a person gets angry, he should not react immediately, but should remain silent. If a person gets angry immediately, then he is foolish. When he realizes, he has to bear shame. Therefore, it is important to avoid anger.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 15:1

Verse

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Explanation

In this verse we are advised to speak softly and gently and it is said that if one person is angry and the next person speaks harshly, he increases the anger. Therefore, one should always speak in a soft voice. This does not make the other person angry and matters are resolved.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 15:18

Verse

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that a person who is very angry always escalates a fight while a person who keeps quiet and speaks in a calm manner. He always puts an end to the quarrel. Therefore, instead of being hot-tempered, one should adopt gentleness.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 19:19

Verse

A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that when a person gets angry, we see his bad deeds, how he loses his senses in anger and says things that he should not say. These things should never be ignored. Rather, this person should be told and explained that he does this and that it is very wrong to do so. If we ignore these things, that person can never change.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Verse

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned about such a person who gets angry very quickly. In this verse, this person is called a foolish person who gets angry without thinking. And it has been instructed that one should never be quick to anger but should act wisely.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 7:11

Verse

God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.

Explanation

Being angry is a sin and God does not like it. In this verse, it is mentioned that God hates those who commit sins. So we should stay away from sins because God is just. He does not mix sinners with good people. He is kind to good people and dislikes bad people.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Numbers 14:18

Verse

The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.

Explanation

In this verse, God’s mercy and anger are mentioned. God is quick to show mercy but slow to anger. But that does not mean that He is not angry with sinners. He is angry with the sinners while showering His grace and mercy on those who are righteous. Therefore, we should choose the path of goodness to avoid God’s wrath.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Leviticus 19:17-18

Verse

“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.“ Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Explanation

This verse teaches us to love and not to be angry. God says to love your relatives and neighbors as you love yourself. And do not be angry, God does not like anger.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 5:21-22

Verse

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,  and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus admonishes his disciples and says that killing is a great sin, but it is also a great sin for one person to be angry with another person and use wrong words against him. Therefore, along with killing, anger should also be avoided and one should not be cruel to others because anger spreads hatred whereas we should create love in society.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Ephesians 4:26-27

Verse

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Explanation

In this verse, Paul advises his disciples and says that anger is a natural process. A person can be angry about anything, but it does not mean that we will continue to nurture anger in our hearts. If we do that, it will turn into hatred which will create enmity. Therefore, it is important that anger should be eliminated as soon as possible and Satan should not be given a chance to create hatred in your heart.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

James 1:19-20

Verse

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Explanation

In this verse, James advises and says that one should never be in a hurry to speak. listening should be quick and should not be too quick to get angry because if we get angry, it is displeasing to God. God does not want His servants to be angry. Therefore, we should listen to the words of others quickly and not be hasty while speaking and should not be angry at all.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Colossians 3:8

Verse

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Explanation

In this verse, Jonah advises and says that one should have faith that is dear to God. For this, it is important that we should not get angry and do not utter words that are not appropriate. Apart from that, we should not abuse and we should try to be a person whom God likes.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Mark 3:5

Verse

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

Explanation

In this verse, the anger of Jesus that came to him on some people is described. Once Jesus wanted to heal a man and when he began to heal him, the people objected to him. At that time, Jesus became angry with those people. Because Jesus was healing this person according to God’s will. But Jesus was angry with the people for their opposition.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 21:12-13

Verse

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.

Explanation

This verse shows the justified anger of Jesus when some people started unnecessary trade in Jerusalem. Jesus said that this is a place of worship and you people have kept it as a base for unnecessary trade. Jesus’ anger was important here, and that anger did not include foul language and abuse. This was the right of Jesus and he respectfully forbade and explained to these people in anger.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Luke 6:10-11

Verse

He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Explanation

This verse shows the anger of Jesus that he did to some people and teachers. There was a sick man, Jesus wanted to heal him but these people and the teacher were forbidding Jesus. Because according to them, their law was more important than mercy. While Jesus gave more priority to mercy, Jesus healed the man and expressed anger and sorrow at those who were stopping Jesus.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Peter 3:9

Verse

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus‘ disciple Peter is giving advice and says that evil is never eliminated by evil, just as darkness is not erased by darkness but with light. Therefore, whenever someone speaks abusively and angrily, one should respond with kindness and gentleness. This should be the principle of good people.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Timothy 2:8

Verse

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Explanation

In this verse, Paul explains how to pray. He says that one should never pray before God in a state of anger. Rather, you have to make yourself capable of it. To enable this, it is necessary to let go of anger and develop a gentle temper. And pray before God with slow and soft words.

Controlling Anger

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 16:32

Verse

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Explanation

In this verse, God praises those who control their anger. He says that a person who controls his anger is many times better than a person who conquers a city. It means that the person who controls his anger is better than the person who wins the battle.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 19:11

Verse

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Explanation

In this verse, we are advised that if a person commits a mistake, instead of being angry with him, we should forgive him. Because God does not like a person who is angry, and God likes him very much who forgives. Besides, getting angry does nothing. Getting angry only spreads mischief and hatred.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 103:8

Verse

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Explanation

In this verse, David describes the greatness of God. He says that God is a being who is very loving and rarely angry. He gets angry at those who are disobedient to him, but he gets angry when those people do not give up their evil. God is merciful and loving to everyone. This also teaches us that we should act with mercy and speak softly instead of anger.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 17:27

Verse

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned about those people who do not get angry but act with tolerance. They speak softly and think many times before speaking. They are not like an angry person. An angry person speaks very quickly and without thinking. Besides, his words are also very wrong whereas an understanding person always speaks in a soft and thoughtful tone.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 86:15

Verse

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Explanation

This verse teaches the gentleness and kindness of God. It describes the characteristic of God that He is very loving. He has mercy on both the sinners and the righteous. However, when sinners cross their limits, God becomes angry with them. He also gives many chances to the sinners but when they do not come to the right path, He punishes them. But actually God is very kind.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 25:28

Verse

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Explanation

In this verse we are advised that we should control our anger because if we do not control it, it will turn into trouble, conflict and hatred. An example of this is given in this verse: There is a city and this city has no walls, which means it has no boundaries. Anger is also like that, if it is done once, it has no boundaries and a person gets involved in a huge mischief.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

James 4:1-2

Verse

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

Explanation

In this verse, James is explaining why conflict and fighting arise among people. Basically the reason for mischief is anger or human desires.  When they get angry with their desires in mind, a fight breaks out between people and it turns into a huge riot.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Ephesians 4:31

Verse

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Explanation

In this verse, Paul advises not to be angry. And he says that when a person gets angry, he turns away from God because God does not like this action. If a person gets angry, there will be riots among people and hatred will spread. Therefore, one should always love and be gentle. If a person gets angry, one should be patient.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Colossians 3:12-13

Verse

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Explanation

In this verse, it is advised to always be gentle and not to get angry. Be kind to your friends. Further, if someone commits a mistake, he should be forgiven. God likes this attribute. It means that he likes that his servants also take the path of forgiveness Because God also forgives people. This verse advises that one should forgive one’s friends, family and other people just as God forgives our mistakes.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 5:39-42

Verse

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is explaining to the people and says to always treat people well. If someone slaps you on one cheek, give him the other cheek also. If someone asks you for clothes, give him more clothes. If someone asks you to walk one mile, walk two miles with him. The meaning is not to let your ego dominate and always remain humble. This will create love between people. In this verse, we get a lesson to act with love instead of anger. Because the devil puts it in the mind of a person that if someone harms you, he will harm him twice. This thought should not enter the mind of a person. One should always think of the welfare of the people.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Romans 12:17

Verse

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

Explanation

In this verse, Paul advises and says that if someone does something bad to us, instead of getting angry and taking revenge, we should forgive him because good and righteous people forgive others instead of revenge.

Way to Control Anger

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 22:24-25

Verse

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Explanation

Human companionship is very influential. If we sit among good people, they will have a good effect on us. If we sit among bad people, it will affect us badly. The same advice is given in this verse that we should not live with a person who is quick to anger. If he is quick to anger, then anger will also enter you and you will also start to get angry about things like him. Therefore, one should stay away from that person who is angry for no reason. One should take good company because Companionship has a huge impact.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Leviticus 19:18

Verse

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Explanation

In this verse, God advises people and says that we should not spread hatred among ourselves, but we should love each other. God does not like people to spread hatred among them. Rather, he loves love and wants people to love each other and convey the message of friendship. This verse was revealed to Moses. God says that we should think good of others and never wish evil.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 4:4

Verse

Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

Explanation

In this verse, David’s prayer is mentioned. He prayed to God to give him strength and not to be angry and to act mercifully. This prayer is an advice for us that we should always act with kindness and keep praying to God to protect us from this evil act which means anger.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 24:29

Verse

Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.

Explanation

This verse teaches us humanity and advises us that if someone wants to harm us, we should not harm him but pray for him because if we harm someone, it will turn around and attack us. Therefore, one should always pray for and love others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

By reading these verses we get a lesson that we should never get angry. If someone abuses us, we should respond with kindness. Anger is a demonic trait and it destroys a person’s intellect. A person takes a decision in anger that harms him. Therefore, anger should be avoided and a gentle tone should always be adopted. These verses make it clear that God does not like anger, He always commands mercy and gentleness.