Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about anger?” with specific Bible references.
Have you ever asked yourself the question “What does the Bible say about anger?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes anger in different contexts. The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines anger as “A violent passion of the mind excited by a real or supposed injury; usually accompanied with a propensity to take vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction from the offending party.”
Now armed with a basic definition of anger, Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource which captures all notable mentions of the word anger, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about anger, scroll on for additional detail.
Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about anger and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 26:52
“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
Jeremiah 3:12
“Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.”
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”
Psalms 37:8
“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.”
Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Psalms 103:8
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”
Proverbs 15:18
“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
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