Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionAnger is a powerful emotion that can lead to destructive behavior if not properly managed. The Bible provides guidance on controlling anger, emphasizing the importance of self-control, patience, and forgiveness. This entry explores biblical teachings on anger, offering insights into how believers can align their responses with God's will.
Biblical Teachings on Anger1.
The Nature of Anger Anger itself is not inherently sinful; it is a natural human emotion. However, the Bible warns against allowing anger to lead to sin.
Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This passage acknowledges that anger can occur but emphasizes the importance of resolving it quickly to prevent sin.
2.
The Dangers of Uncontrolled Anger Uncontrolled anger can lead to harmful actions and words.
Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back." This proverb highlights the wisdom in exercising restraint and the folly of giving full vent to one's anger.
James 1:19-20 further instructs, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires."
3.
The Call to Self-Control Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and essential in managing anger.
Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a key characteristic of a life led by the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to rely on the Spirit's power to exercise self-control, as seen in
2 Timothy 1:7 : "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."
4.
The Role of Patience and Understanding Patience and understanding are vital in controlling anger.
Proverbs 14:29 teaches, "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly." Patience allows individuals to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Colossians 3:12-13 encourages believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another."
5.
The Importance of Forgiveness Forgiveness is crucial in overcoming anger and preventing bitterness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Forgiveness reflects God's grace and helps to release the hold of anger.
6.
The Example of Jesus Jesus exemplified righteous anger and self-control. In
Mark 3:5 , Jesus looked around at the Pharisees "with anger, grieved by their hardness of heart," yet His response was measured and purposeful. Jesus' life demonstrates that anger can be directed toward injustice without leading to sin.
Practical Steps for Controlling Anger1.
Prayer and Reflection Prayer is a powerful tool for managing anger.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, individuals can seek God's guidance and peace.
2.
Seeking ReconciliationMatthew 5:23-24 emphasizes the importance of reconciliation: "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." Reconciliation helps to resolve anger and restore relationships.
3.
Accountability and Support Engaging with a community of believers provides accountability and support in managing anger.
Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Fellowship with others can offer encouragement and guidance in developing self-control and patience.
Topical Bible Verses
Ephesians 4:26Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:
Topicalbible.orgJames 1:19-20
Why, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
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Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
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Ephesians 4:32
And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.
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Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
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Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
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Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
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Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
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Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strifes: but love covers all sins.
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Library
How Our Fourth Conflict is against the Sin ofAnger, and How Many...
... in the opinion of everybody, for "anger destroys even the prudent." [913] Nor shall
we be able with clear judgment of heart to secure thecontrolling power of...
And in this Hope Our Divinely-Favored Emperor Partakes Even in...
... is truly lord: above the thirst of wealth, superior to sexual desire; victorious
even over natural pleasures;controlling, not controlled by,anger and passion...
Of the Passions.
...Anger therefore has been given by God for the restraining of offences, that is,
forcontrolling the discipline of subjects, that fear may suppress...
Concerning Free-Will
... itself, kept itself under, as not willing to let its Master perceive itsanger.... from
all this that there is a divine government and powercontrolling the whole...
Matt. Ii. 16
... account of nothing, but rages even against nature herself, and hisanger against
the... And if thou art yet faint-hearted, and not equal tocontrolling thyself in...
The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
... At times he would throw over me feelings that imitated envy,anger, and such like....
The will, not the feelings, is thecontrolling factor in life....
Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... of God in a movement, the more there is of prayer, conspicuous andcontrolling.... The
rebellion of Korah was the occasion of God'sanger flaming out against the...
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
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nations... nations to whom I send thee to drink of it; the fierceanger of the...
Ill-Temper
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the most... when he says, "I never work better than when I am inspired byanger....
Resources
What does the Bible say about managing/controlling emotions? | GotQuestions.orgDealing with a mother-in-law...? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I maintain a good attitude when I am struggling with PMS? | GotQuestions.orgControlling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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