We cannot deny that anger is a natural emotion. However, there is prominent misconception among many believers that anger is wrong in and of itself. The following Bible verses about anger remind us that it is both natural and observable through God and in the ministry of Jesus. On the other hand, these Bible verses about anger reveal that there are different forms of anger, some of which are righteous and others that will result in judgment. Because of these sometimes subtle differences, it is extremely important to study these Bible verses about anger in their original context. As with any verse or passage that is singled out, I am not advocating that we neglect thorough, exegetical study. With all of that said, we can gain much more when we realize that anger comes in different forms, and these Bible verses about anger make that clear.
Exodus 32:19 (#1 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
19When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain.
Exodus 34:5-7 (#2 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
5Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.”
Judges 2:11-13 (#3 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
11Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. 12They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger 13because they forsook him…
1 Samuel 20:34 (#4 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
34Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the month he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.Psalm 4:4
(#5 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
4In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah
Psalm 30:5 (#6 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
5For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 103:8-10 (#7 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
8The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever 10he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
Proverbs 22:24-25 (#8 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
24Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, 25or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.
Proverbs 29:11 (#9 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
11A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (#10 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
9Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Matthew 5:21-23 (#11 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
21“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brotherwill be subject to judgment.
Mark 3:4-6 (#12 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
4Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Mark 11:15-16 (#13 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger) (New International Version)
15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
Ephesians 4:25-27 (#14 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
James 1:19-21 (#15 of 15 Bible Verses about Anger)
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Source
Bible; New International Version
