Bible verses about anger
James 1:19-20, Ephesians 4:26-27 and Proverbs 15:1 are the first stops for Bible verses about anger. They say be slow to get angry, don't let the day end on it, and know that a gentle answer cools things down. All twelve are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.James 1:19-20
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
In the World English Bible
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.
James says to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to get angry. Human anger does not do what God wants.
2.Ephesians 4:26-27
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.
In the World English Bible
“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil.
Paul says feeling angry isn't the problem, and warns about letting it sit past the end of the day.
3.Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
In the World English Bible
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
A short line on how you answer. Gentle words settle things, and harsh ones fan the fire.
4.Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
In the World English Bible
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Someone slow to anger has a lot of understanding, and a quick temper shows foolishness.
5.Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
In the World English Bible
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
Patience gets ranked higher than strength. Ruling your own spirit counts for more than taking a city.
6.Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
In the World English Bible
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
A fool lets all his anger out, and a wise person holds it back. It's about timing, not stuffing it down.
7.Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
In the World English Bible
Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Anger rests in the heart of fools. The writer says not to be quick to let your spirit get provoked.
8.Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
In the World English Bible
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing.
The writer says to stop being angry and let go of rage, because it only leads to harm.
9.Colossians 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
In the World English Bible
but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
Anger, rage, malice and slander are listed as things to put away, like old clothes.
10.Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
In the World English Bible
Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Leave payback to God. That's aimed at people who feel wronged and want to get even.
11.Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
In the World English Bible
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
Good sense slows a person's anger, and overlooking an offense is called a glory.
12.Psalm 4:4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
In the World English Bible
Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
Be angry, the psalm says, but don't sin. Take it to bed and be quiet about it.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about anger?
James 1:19-20 is a good place to start. James says to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to get angry. Human anger does not do what God wants.
Is it a sin to be angry?
Ephesians 4:26-27 and Psalm 4:4 both treat anger as something that can happen without sin, and both give a limit. Don't let it set into a grudge, and watch what you do with it. James 1:19-20 adds that anger by itself doesn't do God's work.
What does the Bible say about controlling your temper?
Proverbs 16:32 and Proverbs 29:11 both praise self-control. Proverbs 15:1 is the practical one, since a gentle answer can end an argument. Proverbs 19:11 says overlooking a slight can be the wiser move.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.