25 Bible Verses About Anger to Help You Let Go of Angry Thoughts
Even if it's not always the easy choice, forgiveness is in your power.
It's almost impossible to not let angry thoughts bubble to the surface from time to time. Whether you just got into a fight with your partner, had a disagreement with your parents, or lost your job, there are a lot of reasons to feel angry about what life has thrown your way. If you are religious, you may even harbor some resentment towards God's plan for you, which maybe hasn't aligned with your own plan. But letting anger consume your thoughts and actions will only lead you down a sinful path with consequences. No one said letting go of anger and forgiving someone you feel has wronged you is easy, but these Bible verses about anger can help remind you of the importance of choosing forgiveness over revenge.
Over the past two years, there have been a lot of reasons to be upset as the pandemic coursed through the veins of society. And while letting your pent-up anger go may feel like giving in rather than taking action, the opposite is true. God teaches the virtue of choosing patience, calmness, and goodness over rage, bitterness, and bad temperedness. It is in your control to release any negative thoughts, keep faith, and have trust that the Lord will make sure those who have wronged you are held accountable. Being angry is valid, but don't let it become your character. These Bible verses about anger will help you accept, understand, and let go, and remind you of the consequences of holding grudges.
Psalm 37:8
“Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble.”
The Good News: When you can act based on your negative emotions, you might make the wrong decisions, so take your time to calm down before doing anything.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Keep your temper under control; it is foolish to harbor a grudge.”
The Good News: A lot of situations can make us react angrily and that’s perfectly normal. But we shouldn’t hold grudges because it’s pointless and exhausting.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
The Good News: When someone who is angry confronts you, don’t fight with them. Try and talk to them calmly as it’ll help calm them down and make their anger go away.
Ephesians 4:26
“If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day.”
The Good News: When we’re angry, we may do something we might regret later or act in a way that could hurt those around us. Wait until the anger dissipates before making a decision or taking action.
Proverbs 14:17
“People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.”
The Good News: Anger is a normal response to some situations, but it’s how you respond that makes you who you are.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort.”
The Good News: An angry person often pushes those around them away. When confronted with a situation that makes you angry, choose to remain calm and talk things out rather than fighting with the other person.
2 Timothy 2:23-25
“But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels. As the Lord’s servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth.”
The Good News: When we surround ourselves with other people, we can pick up some of their mannerisms, including their negative reactions to situations. Stay away from those people who pick a fight over everything, because it goes against God’s wishes.
Proverbs 14:29
“Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.”
The Good News: We only have great power when we control our emotions and have patience, unlike those who let their anger take over.
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
The Good News: Choose to do good, rather than acting on your negative emotions.
James 1:19-20
“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.”
The Good News: Keep your faith in God and trust that He will guide you in dealing with a situation. But try to react without anger because an angry person is prone to sinning and that goes against God’s word.
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
The Good News: Only foolish people let their rage take over, unlike wise ones who keep their anger in check.
Proverbs 22:24
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.”
The Good News: This Bible verse is an example of the quote: “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” When we associate with people who have a bad temper, we can start to act like them.
Proverbs 19:11
“Insightful people restrain their anger; their glory is to ignore an offense.”
The Good News: God grants glory to those who recognize their anger and control it.
Proverbs 15:18
“Hotheads stir up conflict, but patient people calm down strife.”
The Good News: Know that the first person to draw up arms is not often the first person to settle a conflict; be calm in your response for the best outcome.
Colossians 3:8
“But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language.”
The Good News: Everyone feels anger, rage, and malice at different times and in different situations, but the Lord urges you to set them aside.
Romans 12:19
“Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord.”
The Good News: What goes around comes around, but it's up to the Lord, not to you, to make sure there's justice.
1 Timothy 2:8
“Therefore, I want men to pray everywhere by lifting up hands that are holy, without anger or argument.”
The Good News: God urges you to come to Him and to prayer and leave your anger at the door.
Proverbs 12:16
“Fools reveal their anger right away, but the shrewd hide their contempt.”
The Good News: Everyone can feel anger, but it's how you react to that feeling that displays your character.
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without grumbling and arguing.”
The Good News: Everything you do can be done with a more positive mindset.
Ephesians 6:4
“As for parents, don’t provoke your children to anger, but raise them with discipline and instruction about the Lord.”
The Good News: As a parent, it's important to remember that your children are always learning from your example, so be cautious of how you display anger toward or around them.
Sophia is currently an assistant editor at Womans Day.com with experience in writing everything from fashion and beauty to health, fitness, and wellness.
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