Scripture does not simply say, “anger is sin,” but neither does it justify every kind of anger. Paul writes: in your anger do not sin, do not give the devil a foothold, and put away rage and malice; James urges us to be slow to anger because human anger does not produce the righteousness of God. Proverbs praises the patient and a gentle answer, while Jesus connects anger toward a brother with the need to be reconciled.
What Does the Bible Say About This
- Paul writes: in your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Eph. 4:26–27). He then instructs us to get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every form of malice (Eph. 4:31); Col. 3:8 likewise says to put away anger, rage, malice, and slander.
- James urges us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because human anger does not produce the righteousness of God (Jas. 1:19–20).
- Proverbs says that the patient have great understanding, but the quick-tempered display folly (Prov. 14:29); a gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath (Prov. 15:1).
- Jesus speaks of anger toward a brother in connection with the commandment “Do not murder” and instructs us: if your brother has something against you, first be reconciled to him, and then bring your gift (Matt. 5:21–24).
- Mark 3:5 says that Jesus looked at the people with anger, grieved at the hardness of their hearts. This describes an event; it is not a rule by which we may call our own anger righteous.
The brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the Scripture texts are from the Father’s Blessing Bible.
Key Scripture Passages
8 Scripture passages · Father’s Blessing Bible
Ephesians 4:26–27
26 Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your anger; 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice;
James 1:19–20
19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Colossians 3:8
And now put away everything: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouths;
Proverbs 14:29
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Matthew 5:21–24
21 You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder,” and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother [[without cause]] will be subject to judgment; whoever says to his brother, “Raca,” will be subject to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, “You fool,” will be subject to the fiery hell. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Mark 3:5
And after looking around at them with anger, grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Proverbs 15:1
[Anger destroys even the wise.] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.
