31 Bible Verses About Controlling Anger (with Related Verses)

Anger is a natural emotion, but how we manage it can significantly impact our relationships and spiritual well-being. The Bible offers valuable insights and guidance on the subject of controlling anger, emphasizing the importance of self-control and wise communication.

As you delve into these Bible verses about controlling anger, you will find wisdom that encourages us to pause, reflect, and seek peaceful resolutions rather than reacting impulsively. Scriptures teach us about the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and patience, highlighting that our responses can either reflect God’s grace or lead to conflict.

These verses remind us that through faith, we can cultivate a spirit of peace and learn to respond to challenges with love rather than frustration.

Bible Verses About Controlling Anger

James 1:19 – Biblical Principles of Anger Management

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

More Related Verses:

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9

“A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes folly.” – Proverbs 14:29

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8

Proverbs 15:1 – Verses for Dealing with Anger in Relationships

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1

More Related Verses:

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14

“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” – Proverbs 29:22

Also read: 31 Bible Verses About Lying And Deceit (with Related Verses)

Ephesians 4:26 – The Role of Forgiveness in Controlling Anger

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26

More Related Verses:

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

Matthew 21:12 – Anger in the Life of Jesus

“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.” – Matthew 21:12

More Related Verses:

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” – Psalm 103:8

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36

Proverbs 29:11 – The Dangers of Unchecked Anger

“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” – Proverbs 29:11

More Related Verses:

“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but who can stand before jealousy?” – Proverbs 27:4

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

“Hot-tempered people stir up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18

Proverbs 16:32 – Wisdom Literature on Anger

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32

More Related Verses:

“Patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8

“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” – Proverbs 2:10

“A person with quick temper displays folly.” – Proverbs 14:17

James 1:20 – Anger and Its Consequences in Scripture

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

More Related Verses:

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31

“Anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9

“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” – Proverbs 14:29

Proverbs 18:13 – The Power of Words: Speaking in Anger

“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13

More Related Verses:

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” – Proverbs 25:11

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21

Philippians 4:6 – Prayer and Meditation in Times of Anger

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

More Related Verses:

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3

“In my distress, I called to the Lord, and he answered me.” – Jonah 2:2

Colossians 3:12 – Cultivating Patience to Overcome Anger

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

More Related Verses:

“Patience is better than pride.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” – Psalm 145:8

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” – Isaiah 66:13

Galatians 5:22 – The Importance of Self-Control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22

More Related Verses:

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve.” – Joshua 24:15

Psalm 37:8 – Anger in the Psalms

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8

More Related Verses:

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” – Psalm 147:5

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

Proverbs 12:16 – Emotions and Faith: Balancing Anger

“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” – Proverbs 12:16

More Related Verses:

“He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” – Proverbs 17:27

“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” – Proverbs 15:18

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” – Proverbs 11:13

Numbers 20:10 – Stories of Anger in the Bible

“He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and said to them, ‘Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?'” – Numbers 20:10

More Related Verses:

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

“He was angry with me because of you.” Deuteronomy 3:26

“Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.” – Psalm 4:4

Exodus 34:6 – God’s Anger and Righteousness

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.'” – Exodus 34:6

More Related Verses:

“For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me and the souls that I have made.” – Isaiah 57:16

“In wrath, remember mercy.” – Habakkuk 3:2

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” – James 1:19

James 3:18 – Anger Management Techniques from the Bible

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” – James 3:18

More Related Verses:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” – Romans 12:20

“Seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14

Romans 12:21 – Turning Anger into Action: A Positive Spin

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

More Related Verses:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

“As for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7

Ephesians 6:12 – Spiritual Warfare Against Anger

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

More Related Verses:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10

Galatians 6:2 – Controlling Anger through Service

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

More Related Verses:

“The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Anger and Community Relationships

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

More Related Verses:

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7

Proverbs 14:29 – Consequences of Anger in Family Life

“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” – Proverbs 14:29

More Related Verses:

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 19:11 – The Wisdom of Listening Before Speaking

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

More Related Verses:

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” – Proverbs 18:15

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” – James 1:19

“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” – Proverbs 18:13

Matthew 5:8 – Reflecting on Personal Triggers for Anger

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

More Related Verses:

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?” – Proverbs 18:14

Philippians 4:7 – Finding Peace After Anger

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

More Related Verses:

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” – John 16:33

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.” – Numbers 6:24-25

1 John 4:18 – The Transformative Power of Love in Anger Management

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18

More Related Verses:

“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Final Thoughts

Controlling anger is a topic deeply rooted in biblical wisdom and guidance. The Scriptures consistently invite us to embrace patience, self-control, and understanding, especially in our interactions with others. It’s essential to recognize that anger, while a natural emotion, can lead to harmful consequences if not addressed wisely.

Furthermore, the act of forgiving others and ourselves is vital in overcoming feelings of resentment and betrayal. Each verse presents a pathway to a healthier emotional landscape, prompting us toward prayer, reflection, and community support. As we work through our anger, let us remember the importance of listening and being slow to respond.