Anger is one of the most powerful and potentially destructive emotions a person can experience. It can be a righteous response to sin and injustice, as seen in God’s wrath against evil, yet it is also one of the most common sources of personal sin. The Bible addresses anger extensively, providing both examples of how it manifests in human life and instructions on how to deal with it in a godly way.
The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding anger by portraying it as both a divine attribute and a human weakness. While God’s anger is always just and purposeful, human anger is often tainted by selfishness, pride, and a lack of self-control. The New Testament then expands on these principles, providing clear guidance for believers in the Church Age on how to handle anger in daily life.
As anger affects every area of life—community relationships, the workplace, marriage, church life, and even attitudes toward God—it is essential for believers to understand its dangers and the biblical solution for overcoming it. The consequences of unchecked anger are severe, including divine judgment for those who refuse to repent. However, Scripture also offers a way of escape, calling believers to surrender their anger to God and walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh.
Words: 1422 / Time to read: 8 minutes
The Old Testament Foundation: Anger as a Double-Edged Sword
From the earliest pages of Scripture, anger plays a significant role in human interactions. The first recorded instance of anger appears in Genesis 4 when Cain becomes furious at God’s rejection of his sacrifice. Instead of heeding God’s warning, Cain allows his anger to control him, leading to the murder of his brother Abel. This tragic event sets the stage for the biblical teaching on anger: when left unchecked, it results in destructive consequences.
The book of Proverbs provides some of the clearest warnings about the dangers of uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 14:29 states, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” Proverbs 15:18 reinforces this idea, saying, “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” These verses emphasize the destructive nature of anger and the wisdom of self-control.
Yet, Scripture also presents anger in a different light. God Himself expresses righteous anger against sin, idolatry, and injustice. In Exodus 32, when the Israelites build the golden calf, God’s wrath burns against them for their rebellion. However, His anger is not impulsive or petty; it is always grounded in holiness and justice. Psalm 7:11 declares, “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” Unlike human anger, which often stems from selfishness, God’s anger is always directed at sin and evil.
New Testament Teaching: How Believers Should Handle Anger
In the New Testament, anger is treated as a serious moral issue that believers must bring under submission to the Holy Spirit. Jesus warned about the dangers of anger in Matthew 5:22, stating, “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” The Apostle Paul expands on this by commanding believers to put away anger entirely. Ephesians 4:31 instructs, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
However, Paul also acknowledges that not all anger is sinful. Ephesians 4:26 states, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” This verse suggests that anger itself is not always wrong, but it becomes sinful when it is left unresolved, leading to bitterness and division.
James 1:19-20 provides further instruction: “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.” This passage highlights the contrast between human anger, which often leads to sin, and the righteous life God calls His people to live.
Anger in Different Aspects of Life
Anger in the Community
Interpersonal conflicts are a common source of anger in society. Whether it’s road rage, disputes with neighbors, or political disagreements, anger often leads to destructive outcomes. The Bible warns that uncontrolled anger fuels violence and division. Proverbs 29:22 states, “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
Jesus set the standard for how believers should respond to conflict. In Matthew 5:9, He declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Instead of retaliating, Christians are called to promote peace and seek reconciliation.
Anger in the Workplace
Workplace frustrations can lead to anger when expectations are not met, authority is abused, or unfair treatment occurs. Colossians 3:23-24 provides a helpful perspective, reminding believers that their ultimate employer is God: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This mindset helps prevent anger from taking root by shifting the focus from earthly injustice to eternal reward.
Additionally, Paul instructs both employees and employers in Ephesians 6:9, saying, “And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.” Whether in positions of authority or under authority, Christians are called to exercise patience and fairness.
Anger in Marriage
One of the most common arenas for anger is within marriage. Conflicts arise over finances, communication breakdowns, and unmet expectations. While disagreements are inevitable, Scripture warns against allowing anger to destroy relationships. Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Similarly, Colossians 3:19 instructs, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
For wives, Proverbs 21:9 provides wisdom, stating, “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” The biblical solution for anger in marriage is mutual submission and love, with each partner seeking to serve the other rather than insisting on their own way.
Anger in the Church
Even within the body of Christ, anger can cause division. Paul confronted the Corinthians for their quarrels and divisions, urging them to be united in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10). In Philippians 4:2-3, he specifically addressed a dispute between two women in the church, urging reconciliation.
Jesus emphasized the importance of resolving anger quickly. In Matthew 5:23-24, He commanded, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Worship is hindered when believers harbor anger against one another.
Anger at God
Some people struggle with anger toward God, blaming Him for suffering, unanswered prayers, or life’s hardships. The book of Job presents the ultimate example of wrestling with such feelings. Although Job questioned God, he ultimately humbled himself, acknowledging God’s sovereignty (Job 42:1-6).
Romans 9:20 reminds us, “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?” While it is natural to bring frustrations before the Lord, believers must ultimately trust in His wisdom and goodness.
The Solution to Anger and the Judgment for the Unrepentant
The Bible’s solution to anger is found in surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes patience and self-control. By walking in the Spirit, believers can overcome sinful anger.
However, those who refuse to repent face judgment. Colossians 3:8 warns, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” Revelation 21:8 lists the unrepentant among those who will face eternal punishment.
Renowned theologian Charles Ryrie once wrote, “The Christian life is a life of putting off the old and putting on the new. Anger belongs to the old, and self-control is part of the new.”
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.