What does the Bible say about anger?

The Bible teaches that anger must be governed with discipline, warning that uncontrolled anger leadeth to sin and destruction.

Is anger a sin in the Bible?

Anger is not always sin, but when it is not restrained, it openeth the door to sin and unrighteous behavior.

How can I control anger according to Scripture?

What are the consequences of uncontrolled anger? The Bible declareth that unchecked anger bringeth strife, folly, and destruction if it is not brought under control.

Why study anger in the King James Version?

The King James Version preserves the traditional language of Scripture, offering a powerful and authoritative presentation of biblical truth on anger.

Anger - There's A Scripture for That (KJV) Version

These KJV Bible verses about anger reveal the danger of uncontrolled emotion, the call to restraint, and the importance of self-control.

Be Slow to Anger — Not Led by Emotion

Anger is a powerful emotion, but Scripture warns against allowing it to take control. The Bible does not ignore anger—it teaches how to handle it. Left unchecked, it can lead to sin and damage relationships. God calls us to exercise restraint, patience, and wisdom, reminding us that reacting without control leads to consequences.

These verses are presented together to reveal a unified biblical perspective on anger—not just isolated references.

Psalms 37:8 (KJV)
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Proverbs 14:29 (KJV)
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:8 (KJV)
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 19:11 (KJV)
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Proverbs 29:11 (KJV)
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Shift Your Mindset — Self-control is not weakness. It is spiritual strength under pressure.

A dramatic image of a man standing calmly between fire and light, with bold text reading “Not Everything Deserves a Reaction. Self-control is strength,” symbolizing emotional discipline and spiritual strength.

Shift Your Mindset

Proverbs 20:3 (KJV)
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Proverbs 17:14 (KJV)
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with

Proverbs 18:6 (KJV)
A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 22:24 (KJV)
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Proverbs 29:22 (KJV)
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 26:21 (KJV)
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Ephesians 4:26 (KJV)
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

James 1:20 (KJV)
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Anger, when not controlled, can quickly lead us away from truth. Scripture teaches that strength is found in restraint, not reaction. Learning to manage anger protects your relationships, your decisions, and your spiritual walk. When guided by God’s Word, you gain the ability to respond with wisdom instead of emotion.

These scriptures have been carefully selected to provide clarity, conviction, and guidance—helping you understand and control anger according to God’s Word.

Do You Really Understand What the Bible Says About Anger?

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Anger Bible Quiz — What Does Scripture Really Say?

Anger can build or destroy. Take this Anger Bible Quiz to discover what Scripture says about controlling anger, patience, and responding with wisdom.

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Continue Exploring What Scripture Says

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Apply What You’ve Read — Grow in Truth

If you would like additional verses on anger, visit our Bible Search page.

Anger - There's A Scripture for That (KJV) Version 1

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Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain in The United States. Pathway365 is based in the United States and is governed by its laws. Outside of the United States, you’ll need to check the copyright laws in your country before use.

Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press