30 Bible Verses About Controlling Anger {Free PDF Printable Bible Reading Plan} The Holy Mess

Here are 30 Bible Verses About Controlling Anger. When it comes to the topic of anger, the Bible has lots to tell us. Use this Bible reading plan to study what God’s Word says about anger.

Free daily Bible reading plan about anger — Download this free PDF daily Bible reading plan about anger.

Table Of Contents

What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
6 Warning Signs the Bible Gives About Anger
3 Famous Bible Verses About Frustration & Anger

1. Ephesians 4:26-27 – Do Not Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger
2. James 1:19-20 – Be slow to anger.
3. Proverbs 29:11 – A fool vents his anger.

30 Day Anger Bible Reading Plan Free Printable Download

What Does the Bible Say About Anger?

Everyone feels anger sometimes.

Thankfully, the Bible gives us direction for how to handle this challenging emotion.

Anger can shatter relationships and, when out of control, lead to life-long problems. Studies have even shown that holding on to too much anger can lead to long-term health consequences like headaches, high blood pressure, and depression. (source)

Is anger a sin? No.

Anger itself is not sinful. We know that Jesus got angry (John 2 – the story of Jesus cleansing the temple of money changers) and he was without sin.

Anger is an emotion and emotions are neutral. Yet we also know that anger often leads people into sinful behavior and Bible verses about anger are quick to point this out.

6 Warning Signs the Bible Gives About Anger

Check out these danger signs of anger. While anger itself is not sinful, it often leads us into sin thoughts and behaviors.

Prideful anger is wrong. (James 1:20)
Do not engage in sinful behavior because of anger. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15-19)
Do not curse or lie out of anger. (Romans 3:13-14)
Do not allow anger to cause you to act without restraint. (Proverbs 29:11)
Overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

3 Famous Bible Verses About Frustration & Anger

Here are some of the most well-known Bible verses that talk about anger, anger management, and how to live with anger yet have self-control.

1. Ephesians 4:26-27 – Do Not Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27

This verse reminds that as often as possible, do not go to bed angry. While this isn’t always possible in the course of regular life, this is an important consideration for how we should manage our anger, especially in parenting and marriage.

Remember that proverbs are helpful statements of guidance and not exact laws we must follow. It’s important not to make this a rule that must be followed it would lead to the damage of a relationship. (Sometimes in my marriage, a good night’s sleep is the best way to solve a disagreement.)

2. James 1:19-20 – Be slow to anger.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20

By the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you, be slow to get angry. God is slow to anger and does not pour out his wrath on you. In the same way, you can develop more of the fruit of the spirit of patience with the people in our lives.

This verse points out that anger and flare ups of temper rarely leads to righteousness. While it’s true that anger itself is not sinful, it often leads us into choosing sinful actions.

Only Jesus had pure righteous anger. Because we are human, our anger is tainted with sin.

3. Proverbs 29:11 – A fool vents his anger.

A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 29:11

This proverb gives us an important remind that we should not vent our anger but instead learn to let it go. When you allow your emotions to guide your choices, it rarely leads to good results. These are the times you might tend to speak unkind words, make rash decisions, or say things you regret.

Instead, hold back and take your time when you are angry. Take your thoughts captive to obey Christ during these challenging moments.

Be quick to forgive. While you should strive to have anger management, also develop spiritual maturity by forgiving graciously. Click here to read more about what the Bible says about forgiveness.