How to Control Anger in the Bible: 10 Verses to Help You Cope

Managing and controlling your anger is not easy, particularly under stressful conditions. It’s an emotion that can be used for good or evil. It has to be dealt with in an appropriate manner, that is the manner in which we see anger in the Bible dealt with. Don’t keep it bottled up inside, as it will become destructive to your health.

Anger in the Bible

The Bible does not forbid anger, but it does forbid sinning in anger (Ephesians 4:26 NIV). Being able to restrain your anger is a spiritual discipline that keeps it within limits, and dissipates the intensity of emotion you might be feeling about something rather than firing it up even more.

The fact that the Bible contains numerous references on how to control anger shows that it is an issue common to everyone. It is only through meditation on Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit that any true victory can be experienced. Here are 10 verses to provide wisdom and encouragement as you learn to control anger.

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. – Proverbs 14:29, NIV

We see here the contrasting of the negative and the positive which is shown in the first ten verses of the chapter. Solomon is illustrating the difference between the wise and the foolish person. How to control anger shown here in the Bible is a sign of maturity, and with this act comes understanding.

You can then assess a situation carefully and react accordingly without wrath. Anger is foolish and will lead to people avoiding you. Don’t react to others in anger. Turn to prayer and God’s Word instead.

A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. – Proverbs 16:29, NIV

Solomon has described two kinds of evil. In Proverbs 16:27-28 it is described as worthless and dishonest. This verse on how to control anger in the Bible refers to violence, whether it be assault, oppression, unjustness, or cruelty. Such men are harsh, disobedient to the Lord, and abuse each other. Worse still is when they encourage others in their evil activities.

Do not be overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:21, NIV

Paul is telling us to live as Christ did, which is to be strong in our convictions and not to give in to anger and hate. This will only result in more pain and suffering and an endless cycle of revenge. Look to do good for others, even for enemies. Learning how to control anger in the Bible shows growth of human spirit and how to solve things God’s way. We must learn to master our emotions, be patient and calm and react in a non-violent manner to such a situation.

Tremble and do not sin, when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. – Psalm 4:4, NIV

Some Bible teachers attribute this verse and the next to counsel offered to Absalom’s men, David’s enemies. Other interpreters believe David was addressing his own men; to remain calm in the face of opposition. In short, be angry but do not sin.

The Hebrew word ragaz means to tremble, shake, or get agitated. They were advised to ponder their ways. So should we. How to control anger in the Bible is about trusting the Lord. He will take care of those who believe in Him.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? – James 4:1, NIV

The “I want it all, at any cost” syndrome prevalent in today’s society, has become so normal that even Christians sometimes see nothing wrong in this attitude. It’s just how things are in life. Right? No, it puts the focus on us. We feel we must be successful in getting what we want out of life and get it at whatever price.

We envy people who appear to have it all. This leads to angry confrontations with others. How to control anger in the Bible shows this is the way to a worldliness that excludes God, so we must be aware of this trap.

Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. – Leviticus 19:17, NIV

This verse on how to control anger in the Bible concerns three major elements; hate, rebuke, and sin. Do not rebuke anyone out of anger. Do it only from a place of humility and love. We must acknowledge our own imperfections. How can we then expect our friends and family to be perfect? Only with the Lord’s help can we progress to spiritual maturity.

Do not be eager in your heart to be angry. For anger resides in the bosom of fools. – Ecclesiastes 7:9, NASB

The one who wrote these words realized that life was nothing but vanity without God. He had experienced much and in this verse on how to control anger in the Bible knew there were serious consequences to harboring anger in our hearts. Doing this or flying into a fit of rage shows a lack of self-control, weak character, and an ungodly attitude. We must strive to do good things in His name and live godly lives.

Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. – James 1:20, NIV

Anger will not work. Letting it out might work for getting our own way, manipulating others, and making ourselves feel briefly in control. But this comes at the price of losing our integrity, the trust of others, and our self-control when living by anger.

We are here to accomplish God’s purpose for this world. Only His anger is righteous. He will bring about justice when the time is right. How to control anger in the Bible means we can let go of our anger. Trust the Lord for He is in control.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. – Proverbs 15:18, NIV

Considering one’s words rather than lashing out without thought will make a vast impact on your life. Who wants to be in the company of such a person? Solomon points out how an angry man, or woman, creates conflict. Be slow to anger in any type of relationship.

Paul puts this best in Ephesians 4:31. We must put away anger, malice, and bitterness. The person who does this bears the mark of a peacemaker to whom Jesus has promised blessing (Matthew 5:9) What better way to show how to control anger in the Bible than with this promise?

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. – Proverbs 19:11, NIV

In this proverb, we are told to ignore insults rather than overreact to them. A wise person remains calm and discreet thus diffusing the situation. As Paul writes in Romans 12:17, Repay no one evil for evil. Leave it for God to avenge (Romans 12:19) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Solomon’s observations on how to control anger in the Bible compares human plans to divine ones, which is why our own plans don’t always work out. God knows best.

In reading the above verses on how to control anger in the Bible the repeated theme is to remain calm, thoughtful, considerate of others’ feelings and to use discretion when in a hostile situation. Even toward your enemies. Anger will only inflame the spirit, as you might say something you regret later.

While anger management yields some benefits, ultimately, true change depends on heart change, and this usually happens slowly over time. Pray to God for guidance, and He will work with you gently and determinedly, to get you to a point where anger and conflict do not tarnish your relationships.

If you need further help in learning to control anger, reach out to a qualified Christian counselor today. Your counselor will help you get to the roots of your anger issues so you can have greater control and peace.