What Does the Bible Say About Anger — In Biblical Context
The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.
The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." — Ephesians 4:26-27 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Anger itself is not always sinful — God Himself expresses righteous anger against sin and injustice. Jesus displayed anger when He cleansed the temple (John 2:13-17). Ephesians 4:26 instructs, 'Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath' — acknowledging that anger is a natural emotion while warning against letting it become sinful. Anger becomes sinful when it is disproportionate, selfish, uncontrolled, or nursed into bitterness. James 1:19-20 counsels, 'Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.' Proverbs repeatedly warns against uncontrolled anger: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city' (Proverbs 16:32). The biblical prescription for anger includes: addressing issues promptly (Ephesians 4:26), refusing to let bitterness take root (Hebrews 12:15), choosing forgiveness (Colossians 3:13), and developing self-control through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Ephesians 4:26-27, sits inside Ephesians 4. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil."
Supporting Passages
"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."
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
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