Finding Peace In Bible Verses About Controlling Anger
If you've felt angrier than usual in recent years or seem to have noticed more anger in others, you're likely not imagining it. Over the past decade, Gallup polls have documented a steady "global rise in negative emotions," including anger. While anger can be a normal and natural emotion, experiencing frequent or severe anger may be difficult to manage and could have various consequences. One way to manage anger may be by turning to words of wisdom, including those found in the Bible. For further support, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional.
Using Bible verses for wisdom
Experts often define wisdom as advice that helps people make good decisions or encourages them to do "the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons." Wisdom is often gained over time and can connect a person to something larger than themselves, like a belief system, culture, relationship, or nature. While a person can receive wisdom from a variety of sources, historical books, including the Bible, tend to be common.
How Bible verses about anger can provide wisdom
Bible verses about anger typically provide people with short words of wisdom they can turn to when they aren't sure how to best manage their emotions. Many Bible verses on anger give advice on how to act or how not to act when anger is present. Some Bible verses on anger also give advice on what a person should or shouldn't do to avoid anger in the future. Others give suggestions on what a person should focus on besides anger.
How do people use Bible verses about anger?
People can use Bible verses about anger in multiple ways. When struggling with anger management, a person may choose to read through Bible verses on anger to remind themselves of how they would like to act. In addition to reading the Bible verses, a person might want to meditate on what they read or pray about the verses' contents in hopes of becoming calmer or gaining additional insight that applies to their situation.
A Bible verse about anger can also act as a prompt for journaling or for a deeper conversation. A person may want to journal about how the Bible verse applies to their life or current situation. Similarly, they may want to discuss the verse with a loved one or mentor to see how others interpret it or would apply it to life.
The best Bible verses about anger
There are no objective measurements of which Bible verses about controlling anger are "best." That said, some Bible verses about anger tend to be shared more frequently than others, suggesting that people find them most useful. Here are some of the most popular Bible verses about anger.
James 1:19-20
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
This verse in the book of James suggests people should focus on listening. Instead of jumping to conclusions, becoming defensive, or arguing against what another person says, listening can help you better understand a person's perspective. Gaining a deeper understanding may also help with upholding the oft-repeated part of this verse, to be "slow to anger."
2 Timothy 2:23-24
"But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."
For many people, speaking from a place of anger can be risky, because it may lead to saying something regrettable, unkind, untrue, or inflammatory. This verse from 2 Timothy can act as a reminder to avoid getting caught up in arguments that will only spiral into resentment. Instead, people are urged to act with kindness when interacting with others.
Leviticus 19:17-18
"You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord."
In these Leviticus verses, people are told not to hate others, but to "reason frankly" with them. This phrase is often interpreted to mean that it's best to face someone directly and simply tell them what has upset you or what you believe they have done wrong. Instead of holding a grudge, becoming hateful, or seeking revenge, talking openly and peacefully can be more loving and more likely to lead to the resolution of the issue.
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
These Galatians verses do not explicitly mention anger, but people often bring them up when discussing anger management and the Bible. Self-control is mentioned among other "fruits of the Spirit" as a virtue people want to embody and practice. Since anger can sometimes lead to a person sensing they are out of control or engaging in actions they regret, practicing self-control may be an antidote.
Understanding the "anger and clamor" Bible verse
People often do online searches for the "anger and clamor" Bible verse, suggesting it's a popular one that people like to revisit. This phrase refers to a verse in the book of Ephesians. The verse contains another piece of advice regarding anger.
Ephesians 4:31
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."
In this verse, people are urged to let go of their anger, no matter the form in which it arises. Clamor, slander, and malice may be viewed as potential consequences of anger.
Clamor generally refers to noise, or the needless arguments that can develop in the wake of anger. Slander can describe speaking negatively of others. Finally, malice can be defined as the desire to see someone else suffer or experience harm. This verse suggests that if anger is not "put away from you," these other actions and feelings may arise.
Are there proverbs about anger?
While we mainly focused on other Bible verses on anger in this article, there are also many verses about anger in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a book full of short proverbs, or words of wisdom. Proverbs contains some of the most popular Bible verses on anger.
The best proverbs about anger
If you're looking for short, to-the-point Bible verses that send a clear message related to anger, Proverbs might be the book for you. Multiple verses in this book contend with how to manage anger. Here are five verses from Proverbs that can provide wisdom on handling anger:
- Proverbs 14:29 - "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."
- Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Another interpretation goes, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.")
- Proverbs 16:32 - "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."
- Proverbs 19:11 - "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."
- Proverbs 29:11 - "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end."
Therapy for anger
While the Bible may help many manage their anger, some can benefit from additional support. Therapy is one option that can help individuals process and manage anger in a healthy and constructive way. Remote therapy generally allows you to attend sessions from your home via video, audio, or online chat. BetterHelp is a remote therapy platform that can connect you with a licensed mental health professional, usually within 48 hours.
Research on therapy for anger
A review of meta-analyses found that many anger management treatments can be effective. The most widely studied anger management treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Additional research suggests that online therapy for anger can produce similar results to in-person therapy, reducing aggression, anger expression, and anger rumination.
Takeaway
Gallup polls suggest that negative emotions, including anger, have been steadily increasing over the past decade. Some people find that reading Bible verses helps them manage their anger. There are a variety of Bible verses on the topic of anger. Most urge people to act from a place of kindness and love and to speak with others directly rather than talking negatively about them to other people or holding grudges. For people who desire additional support in managing anger, remote therapy is an option that can connect them with providers who share their faith.
What does the Bible say about controlling anger?
The Bible explores the idea of self-control and controlling anger in several places. Some verses that touch on these topics include:
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11)
What is a powerful prayer for anger control?
If you’re a Christian or find comfort in Christian prayer, then you may find it helpful to pray for patience and guidance when you’re angry. Prayers like this one may be useful for reducing feelings of anger, centering yourself, and reflecting on the Christian teachings of love and forgiveness:
“Heavenly Father, please grant me the strength to control my anger. May the Holy Spirit calm my heart, fill me with peace and love, and help me to treat others with kindness and understanding. Jesus Christ forgave our sins and taught us to love our neighbor. Please help me to follow his example and forgive those who have wronged me. Help me to practice patience and compassion and live with the same love that you have shown me. Amen.”
What scripture to read when you are angry?
If you’re a Christian or interested in Christian writings, reflecting on scriptures from the Bible may be another useful strategy to overcome anger (or react more constructively to situations that make you angry). Some scriptures, like Colossians 3:6, discuss “evil desire” and other sins, stating, “For these, the wrath of God is coming.” Verses like these, which discuss punishment for sins, can be strong motivators for being kind to others and not giving in to angry feelings. Other scriptures to consider include:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8)
“As the Lord’s servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher.” (Timothy 2:24)
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
What psalm is for calming anger?
If verses from the Bible help you manage difficult emotions, there are several psalms you may find useful for calming down when you’re angry. Some examples include:
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” (Psalm 37:8)
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14)
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)
How to control anger in a godly way?
If you’re a Christian and you’re unsure how to control your anger, you might find it helpful to talk to a therapist about how to manage your feelings in a way that honors your beliefs. Other strategies that may help you manage your anger in a godly way include:
- Reflecting on what the Bible says about God’s word, which emphasizes showing love to others—even those who make you angry
- Remembering the example of mercy and forgiveness set by Jesus in the Bible and trying to respond to situations the same way
- Seeking support from other believers or teachers in the Christian community
- Praying for serenity, wisdom, and compassion
- Reading through the Bible verses in this article, as well as others, for inspiration and motivation
How to control anger spiritually?
If you’re looking for more general spiritual strategies for controlling your anger, you may also benefit from talking to a therapist or counselor. A mental health professional may be able to give you advice specific to your situation and spiritual needs. Other strategies to explore include:
- Practicing mindfulness to develop a better understanding of your thoughts and how they affect your emotions
- Taking a moment to meditate or pray to a higher power when you notice yourself becoming angry
- Seeking support from others with similar spiritual beliefs
- Reflecting on religious or spiritual texts, which often provide advice for managing feelings of anger
- Using grounding exercises or deep breathing techniques to center yourself and release feelings of anger
What is the biblical root of anger?
The Bible generally describes anger as the result of humanity’s selfishness, fear, pride, and other negative traits following the events in the Garden of Eden. For example, James 4:1-2 states, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” Other verses that discuss the causes of anger include:
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:15)
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” (1 John 2:9)
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” (Titus 3:2-3)
What does the Bible say about outbursts of anger?
The Bible includes several verses that discuss having a quick temper and being prone to angry reactions. Some examples include:
“A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17)
“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
“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." (James 1:19-20)
“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.” (Proverbs 22:24-25)
What do proverbs say about anger?
The topic of anger is discussed in Proverbs 14:29, which states, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” In other words, “Wiser people remain calm, while a person with a quick temper acts foolishly.” This Bible verse explores the idea that becoming angry quickly can cause people to act without thinking.
Similarly, Proverbs 15:18 states, “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” In other words, “Someone with a hot temper causes conflict, but people who are slower to feel angry can reduce conflict.” This verse suggests that controlling the urge to react to situations with anger may help people live more peacefully.
What does the Bible say about people who are always angry?
The Bible explores the topic of holding onto anger in several places. As an example, Proverbs 29:22 states, “A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.” This verse discusses the idea that people who are angry or quick to become angry may cause conflicts and other problems.
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