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Flip the ScriptA program of Wildfire Foundation

Bible verses for when you can't control your anger

Anger isn't always sin, but it makes a terrible master. God can grow patience and self-control in you, and you can learn to slow down before it takes over.

Anger can come out of nowhere and leave damage you didn't mean. These verses are honest about anger and show where patience and self-control come from.

What it sounds like

  • “I can't control my temper.”
  • “Little things set me off.”
  • “I'm always snapping at someone.”
  • “My anger scares me.”
  • “I'm angry all the time and I can't stop.”

Four verses for today

  1. 1James 1:19-20

    Read in context
    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.

    Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. James adds that human anger doesn't produce the right living God wants.

  2. 2Ephesians 4:26-27

    Read in context
    “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold.

    Paul doesn't say anger is always wrong. He says don't let it turn into sin, and deal with it before the day is over so it doesn't give the devil a foothold.

  3. 3Proverbs 16:32

    Read in context
    He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

    Self-control takes more strength than winning a battle. Learning to slow down isn't weakness.

  4. 4Galatians 5:22-23

    Read in context
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

    Patience, gentleness and self-control are fruit the Spirit grows in God's people. You can't force fruit, but you can stay close to the One who grows it.

Verses from the Berean Standard Bible.

Say it out loud

God is patient with me, so I can be slow to anger. His Spirit grows self-control in me. I'll stop, breathe and pray before I speak.

More Bible declarations like this

A prayer

God, my anger is hurting people I love, and it scares me. Forgive me for the words I can't take back. Grow patience and self-control in me, and help me stop and pray before I react. Help me make things right today. Amen.

Questions people ask

Is it a sin to be angry?

Not always. Jesus was angry at hard hearts (Mark 3:5), and Ephesians 4:26 says to be angry without sinning. Anger turns into sin when it lashes out, holds a grudge or wants to hurt someone.

How do I control my anger as a Christian?

Slow down: quick to listen, slow to speak (James 1:19). Notice what's under the anger, like hurt, fear or tiredness. Step away and pray before you answer. Apologize quickly when you blow it. If your anger ever turns physical or scares the people around you, get help from a counselor or your doctor right away.

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