Anger, as an intense emotional response, is addressed extensively in the Bible, where it is often depicted as a destructive force that believers are urged to avoid. The Scriptures provide guidance on managing anger, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the pursuit of peace.

Biblical Warnings Against Anger

The Bible explicitly warns against the dangers of anger and its potential to lead to sin. In the Book of Proverbs, wisdom literature offers clear admonitions: "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated" (Proverbs 14:17). This verse highlights the foolishness associated with uncontrolled anger and its capacity to damage relationships.

Further, Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back" . This contrast between the fool and the wise underscores the value placed on restraint and the wisdom in controlling one's temper.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to rid themselves of anger. In Ephesians 4:31, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" . This directive is part of a broader call to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, marked by kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

James 1:19-20 further advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: 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" . Here, the emphasis is on the detrimental impact of human anger on one's spiritual life and the pursuit of righteousness.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to handle anger righteously. While He displayed righteous indignation, such as when He cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12-13), His anger was directed against sin and injustice, not personal offense. Believers are called to emulate His example, ensuring that any expression of anger aligns with God's will and purposes.

Practical Guidance for Believers

The Bible offers practical advice for managing anger. In Colossians 3:8, Paul writes, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth" . This call to action involves a conscious decision to reject anger and its associated behaviors.

Additionally, believers are encouraged to seek reconciliation and peace. Matthew 5:23-24 instructs, "Therefore 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" . This passage underscores the priority of resolving conflicts and maintaining harmonious relationships.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges that anger is a natural human emotion, it consistently warns against allowing it to control one's actions. Through the teachings of Scripture, believers are called to exercise self-control, pursue peace, and reflect the character of Christ in their responses to anger.Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:22
But I say to you, That whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whoever shall say, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Other Sins Forbidden.
... Chapter III. "Other Sins Forbidden. 1. My child, [2404] flee from every evil thing,
and from every likeness of it.2. Be not prone to anger, for anger leadeth ...
/.../various/the teaching of the twelve apostles/chapter iii name sins forbidden.htm

Whether it is Lawful to be Angry?
... says: "Some codices add 'without cause.' However, in the genuine codices the sentence
is unqualified, and anger is forbidden altogether." Therefore it is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 26.htm

The Right Understanding of the Law
... is also forbidden. Where murder is forbidden, envy and rash anger are forbidden,
which may occasion it. Where adultery is forbidden ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/1 4 the right understanding of.htm

In the Attribute of Justice, Marcion's God is Hopelessly Weak and ...
... 2657] For even now that is tacitly permitted which is forbidden without any ... For such
infliction is the just fruit of anger, and anger is the debt of displeasure ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxvi in the attribute of.htm

When Praying the Father, You are not to be Angry with a Brother.
... them? How will he appease his Father who is angry with his brother, when
from the beginning "all anger" is forbidden us? [8831] For ...
/.../tertullian/on prayer/chapter xi when praying the father.htm

Fourth Sunday after Easter Second Sermon.
... the children of God"says Paul in Romans 8, 18. IMPATIENT ANGER FORBIDDEN.
21. So James draws the conclusion: "Let every man be ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after easter second.htm

What are the Sins Forbidden in the Sixth Commandment?
... Answer: The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the ... the
lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 136 0 0 what are the.htm

All Association with Idols is to be Avoided.
... me to jealousy with them that are no gods; they have provoked me to anger with their
idols." [3045] And in all the Scriptures these things are forbidden by the ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii all association with idols.htm

How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ...
... things out of their own estates, he provoked king Ptolemy Euergetes to anger, who
was ... his brother of it, and entreated him, because a Jew is forbidden by their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how antiochus made.htm

Whether it is Lawful for Parents to Strike their Children, or ...
... Hence when parents are forbidden to provoke their children to anger, they are not
prohibited from striking their children for the purpose of correction, but ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 4.htm

How can I know for sure that my anger is righteous indignation? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jesus ever angry? | GotQuestions.org

Does God get angry? | GotQuestions.org

Anger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus