Healing

Updated April 17, 2026

Bible Verses About Anger

Seek peace and control with Bible verses about anger, guiding you to calmness and patience when emotions are high.

Verses for 25+ Bible Verses About Anger

Bible Verses About Anger passages

Start with one passage. If it catches your attention, stay there before moving through the rest of the list.

No matter how big or minor the problem, we all have to learn to control our anger at some point. We can find solace in Scripture rather than resorting to harsh words and acts that only serve to embarrass others. There is a wealth of guidance in the Bible about controlling one's emotions, including rage. Additionally, we learn from the Bible that not all forms of wrath are bad. A righteous rage develops when we perceive "an offense against God or His Word." Here, the sin is the target, not the sinner. What can come out of our rage is something we must think about. Will our fury lead us to take compassionate activities that improve the world and share the Gospel with others? Or will we backstab, alienate, and maybe lead someone to abandon the religion as a result of our outbursts of anger? We should control our anger and consider God's will for our responses to others before acting. We have compiled Bible verses that discuss how to be angry without committing sin. Here you can learn to live a life unencumbered by wrath.

Passage 1

James 1:19-20

"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."

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: We are encouraged to listen more and be slow to anger, as anger does not lead to God’s righteousness.

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Passage 2

Ephesians 4:26-27

"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."

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Anger itself is not sin, but holding onto it can lead to sin and harm our relationships.

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Passage 3

Proverbs 14:29

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Patience reflects wisdom, while quick-tempered reactions often lead to foolish actions.

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Passage 4

Proverbs 15:1

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

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: Responding gently can defuse anger, while harsh words escalate tension.

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Passage 5

Colossians 3:8

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

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Believers are called to put aside anger and harmful language, fostering peace and kindness instead.

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Passage 6

Psalm 37:8

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

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Avoiding anger helps prevent harmful actions and negative consequences.

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Passage 7

Proverbs 19:11

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

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: Wisdom brings patience, and letting go of offenses is a mark of maturity and grace.

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Passage 8

Ecclesiastes 7:9

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

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Quick anger is associated with foolishness, while patience is a sign of wisdom.

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Passage 9

Matthew 5:22

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Jesus warns that unchecked anger leads to judgment, urging us to resolve conflicts.

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Passage 10

Proverbs 29:11

"Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end."

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: The wise exercise self-control, while giving in to rage is seen as foolish behavior.

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Passage 11

Romans 12:19

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: We are urged to let go of anger and trust God to handle justice on our behalf.

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Passage 12

Proverbs 16:32

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

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Patience and self-control are considered more valuable than physical strength and conquest.

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Passage 13

Psalm 4:4

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

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: Anger should lead us to self-reflection rather than sinful actions or words.

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Passage 14

Proverbs 15:18

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

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Anger often escalates conflict, while patience helps to bring peace and resolution.

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Passage 15

1 Peter 3:9

"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."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Responding to anger and insults with kindness and blessing brings peace and rewards from God.

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Passage 16

Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: The Holy Spirit’s work in us promotes self-control, helping us to respond to anger with patience and peace.

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Passage 17

Proverbs 22:24-25

"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."

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Associating with those who are quick to anger can influence us negatively, leading us into similar behavior.

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Passage 18

Matthew 5:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: God values peacemakers, encouraging us to resolve conflicts and avoid anger.

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Passage 19

Proverbs 12:16

"Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult."

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: Wisdom involves controlling reactions and not being easily offended.

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Passage 20

Ephesians 4:31

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

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: We are called to let go of all forms of anger, embracing kindness and forgiveness instead.

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Passage 21

James 3:18

"Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Choosing peace over anger brings about righteousness and harmony.

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Passage 22

Titus 3:2

"To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: Kindness and gentleness help us to avoid anger and conflict, promoting peaceful relationships.

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Passage 23

Romans 14:19

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Striving for peace and building others up prevents anger and resentment from taking root.

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Passage 24

Colossians 3:13

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Forgiving others as God forgives us helps release anger and restore relationships.

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Passage 25

1 Thessalonians 5:15

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else."

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: Retaliating in anger is discouraged, while pursuing goodness and kindness is encouraged.

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Passage 26

Matthew 6:14-15

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Forgiving others helps us let go of anger and opens the way for God’s forgiveness in our lives.

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Passage 27

Hebrews 12:14

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: Striving for peace and holiness prevents anger from causing division and separation from God.

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Passage 28

Psalm 145:8

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

Read aloud: Read the verse aloud once without rushing. Then read it again and pause where your attention catches.

In plain words: God’s example of patience and compassion encourages us to be slow to anger and rich in love.

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Passage 29

Proverbs 25:28

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

Read aloud: Give this verse room to breathe. Let one word or image stand out before you move to the explanation.

In plain words: Without self-control, we are vulnerable to the harm that unchecked anger can bring.

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Passage 30

1 Corinthians 13:5

"Love… is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

Read aloud: Try saying the last line slowly, then turn it into a one-sentence prayer in your own words.

In plain words: True love is patient and forgiving, letting go of anger and choosing grace instead.

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Questions people ask about this topic

What are good bible verses about anger to start with?

Start with James 1:19-20, Ephesians 4:26-27, and Proverbs 14:29. Read one of them aloud before you read the rest, so the page feels less like a list and more like a conversation with Scripture.

How should I use these bible verses about anger in prayer?

Choose one reference, read it slowly, and write the line that stays with you in your own words. Turn that sentence into a short prayer before you move to another passage.

How many Bible verses are there overall?

The Bible contains more than 31,000 verses. In the King James Version, there are 31,102 verses across 66 books, though totals can vary slightly between translations because some passages are grouped differently.

A Chosen Portion take

One pastoral note on anger

Before you turn anger into a list to finish, give yourself a little quiet. Let the passages name pain honestly before you rush toward a conclusion.

Start with James 1:19-20 and read it out loud if you can. Then carry one honest sentence into the rest of the day: a confession, a request, a thank-you, or a small act of obedience.

Ask a companion

Take the next step with Chosen Portion

Take Scripture into prayer with a gentler daily rhythm: reflection, quiet attention, and one faithful conversation at a time.