Struggling with being angry?
This past year, Michael and I have had our fair share of being angry. Postpartum brought out a whole new side of myself that I didn't know existed. And now with two little boys, we find ourselves being angrier at times than we'd like to admit. We've had a lot of curveballs thrown our way. Although after some tough times, it's comforting to know that the Bible has plenty of verses discussing anger to learn from.
Regardless of the trials we've faced, Michael and I continue to pour into the Bible and take solace in the truth of the Word. These are our favorite verses that encompass and help us let go of anger. We hope you can find some truth in them as well.
NOTE: All of these translations come from the NASB (New American Standard Bible).
1. Proverbs 15:1
Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked
1A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a [a]harsh word stirs up anger.
2. James 1:19-20
19[s]You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.
3. Ephesians 4:31-32
31All bitterness, wrath, anger, [x]clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice.
4. Psalm 103:8
8The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
5. Proverbs 14:29
29One who is slow to anger has great understanding;
But one who is [m]quick-tempered exalts foolishness.
6. Colossians 3:8
8But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.
7. Psalm 37:8
8Cease from anger and abandon wrath;
Do not get upset; it leads only to evildoing.
8. Proverbs 22:24-25
24Do not make friends with a person given to anger,
Or go with a hot-tempered person,
25Or you will learn his ways
And [p]find a snare for yourself.
9. Ephesians 4:26-27
26BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not give the devil [t]an opportunity.
10. Ecclesiastes 7:9
9Do not be [i]eager in your spirit to be angry,
For anger resides in the [j]heart of fools.
Bonus Verse: Ephesians 6:4
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Final Thoughts
We hope you find some comfort in these verses. While the road may seem difficult, let today be a lesson for all of us. Even Jesus in the Bible had a bout of being angry in the temple so we can see in his human form that He was just like us. But we continue to grow our faith and lean on Him in all things. We encourage you to do the same.
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