What the Bible Says About Anger

Understanding what the Bible says about anger is an essential first step to dealing with anger issues...

Christian Therapy
March 21, 2025

Understanding what the Bible says about anger is an essential first step to dealing with anger issues.vUnchecked anger is often a destructive influence in your life. Anger issues can poison your personal relationships, friendships, and professional and spiritual life. The Bible says that anger needs to be dealt with, identified, confronted, and treated. Seek help. There are many licensed professional counselors who treat anger issues from a Christian perspective. Let's take a look at what the Bible says about anger.

What the Bible Says About Anger: Proverbs 14:29

The Bible says about anger, "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but the person who has a hasty temper exalts folly." Everybody gets angry. We're humans with emotions, it's natural. What the Bible says about anger is that you need to learn to control it, and be "slow to anger". Anger issues inevitably cause other toxic problems in life. Anger cannot be bottled up or buried forever. It must rear its ugly head at some point. Learning to control your anger is crucial to your psychological well-being. What the Bible says about anger is that if you allow you don't control your anger and temper, then it will cause pain, and suffering and ultimately destroy your relationships. Part of spiritual freedom and peace is learning to control your anger. Remember, unchecked anger is the opposite of love.

What the Bible Says About Anger: Proverbs 15:1

What the Bible says about anger is, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." We all say things from time to time that we don't mean. Unfortunately, you can't take back words once they're spoken. What the Bible says about anger is that you need to choose your words carefully. Verbal abuse is often the result of anger issues. And verbal abuse, harsh words, or name-calling can destroy relationships and cause long-term trauma. Spiritual peace is about being a peacemaker. With your words, you can either stir up more anger or work towards placating it. Too often we know just what to say to hurt the ones we love the most. What the Bible says about anger is that you should love others the way you want to be loved. This means you should speak to others how you wish to be communicated to. What the Bible says about anger is that love should be the intent behind your words, not harm. Practice having a "soft answer" that diffuses anger, rather than verbal abuse.

What the Bible Says About Anger: Proverbs 15:8

The Bible says about anger, "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention." Too often anger issues cause a person to lash out against others. When anger bubbles beneath the surface, it has a way of exploding when least expected. A hot temper can manifest in many harmful ways: verbal and/or emotional abuse, mental manipulations, and even physical abuse. If you or someone you know suffers from anger issues and there is physical abuse involved, seek the help of a licensed professional counselor. There are many licensed professional counselors who specialize in treating anger issues from a Christian perspective. What the Bible says about anger is that you should seek help. It's never too late.

what the bible says about anger

What the Bible Says About Anger: Ecclesiastes 7:9

The Bible says about anger, "Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart..." Anger issues cause bitterness. Bitterness, if left untreated, can lead to all kinds of destructive behaviors. What the Bible says about anger is that "anger lodges in your heart" and if untreated will become a permanent resident. When anger and bitterness move into your heart and take residence, they evict positive emotions like joy, faith, forgiveness, empathy, and love. Unchecked anger often poisons all aspects of your life. Anger issues will destroy your feelings of inner peace, tranquility, and spiritual joy. God's unconditional love is the opposite of bitterness. Bitterness holds grudges. Bitterness judges others harshly. What the Bible says about anger and bitterness is that you should love others like you imagine God loves everyone.

What the Bible Says About Anger: Ephesians 4:26

What the Bible says about anger is, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger..." What's this mean? It means what the Bible says about anger is that you shouldn't go to bed angry. It would help if you tried to resolve your anger instead of letting it stew overnight or over a long period of time. It's wise advice not to go to bed angry. When possible make up with your partner, friend, or family member so that anger doesn't linger and become something more serious. What the Bible says about anger is that you should seek forgiveness and forgive others. If you want to be forgiven, then forgive. If you want understanding and empathy for your feelings, offer it to others. Part of putting what the Bible says about anger into practice is cultivating new habits that help control anger issues. But personal change can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to anger. A licensed, professional Christian counselor can help you discern anger issues and develop new, healthy spiritual habits.

Conclusion

What the Bible says about anger is that you need to seek help in overcoming it. God's unconditional love forgives all. And yet, being spiritually free and experiencing spiritual joy requires us to be responsible for our words, thoughts, and emotions. Seeking spiritual and professional help for anger issues is a crucial part of what the Bible says about anger. Humble yourself in order to seek healing and forgiveness. Don't feel hopeless. What the Bible says about anger is that there is always hope. Hope, healing, and healthier life. Don't be afraid to seek the help of a licensed professional counselor. A Christian-based counselor can give you psychological and spiritual guidance towards a new life free from unchecked anger.

Resources

https://www.amazon.com/Mad-God-Self-Others-Reconciliation-ebook/dp/B00IC9YIEU/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=NU483G5GP5CJ&keywords=bible+say+about+anger+issues&qid=1658515577&sprefix=bible+say+about+anger+issue%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNkVUUk9GNDRFM041JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQ2NDg1MllWNlVHSklBOFFFRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjUwMTc5M1BIRkhMNjlTMlBJVSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

https://www.amazon.com/Drops-Wisdom-Guidance-Path-Awakening/dp/0972387013/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=NU483G5GP5CJ&keywords=bible+say+about+anger+issues&qid=1658515599&sprefix=bible+say+about+anger+issue%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFTWEUzOTlZSUdPNUUmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4ODgyNDBPQzZVS1hQME44UTUmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDQ0MzEwNDFQSE5QRVZSRFNZVkQmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-What-You-Cant-Forget/dp/0718039874/ref=sr_1_4?crid=NU483G5GP5CJ&keywords=bible+say+about+anger+issues&qid=1658515599&sprefix=bible+say+about+anger+issue%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-4

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Christian Therapy

Is standing up for myself in conflict with the Christian principle of humility?

No, standing up for oneself does not conflict with Christian humility. Humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and others, not devaluing ourselves. It's possible to maintain humility while asserting our dignity and rights.

What if standing up for myself leads to persecution?

Jesus reminded His followers that they might face persecution for standing up for righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12). But He also promised blessings and rewards for those who endure. Therefore, do not fear standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

How can I stand up for myself without resorting to anger or violence?

The Bible encourages us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means expressing our feelings and needs honestly but respectfully, without resorting to harmful words or actions. Prayer, wisdom, and guidance from the Holy Spirit are also crucial in such situations.

Doesn't turning the other cheek mean I should always avoid conflict?

The teaching of turning the other cheek is about responding to evil with good, not avoiding conflict. It encourages non-retaliation and forgiveness. However, it doesn't mean allowing persistent injustice or abuse.

How can I apply these biblical teachings about standing up for myself in my everyday life?

Start by understanding your worth as God's creation. Then, strive to maintain your integrity, express yourself honestly and respectfully, forgive and respond to evil with good, and rely on God's strength and wisdom in conflicts. These principles can guide you in various situations—whether at work, school, home, or in your community.