Anger

Anger is an emotion that emerges when we perceive injustice. Sometimes our anger is a righteous response to true injustice. Often, our anger is based on flawed interpretations, judgments, or as secondary response to an emotion we didn't take time to notice. While the emotion is not necessarily sinful, Scripture cautions us against sinning while angry. When left unrestrained, anger can be destructive, leading to sin, broken relationships, and negative consequences. Scripture encourages us to be slow to anger and to exercise self-control. We also do well to examine the judgments and evaluations in our hearts that lead to anger. Practicing active listening, thoughtful communication, and forgiveness are key to handling anger in a healthy, God-honoring way.

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Scripture to Meditate On

Scriptures taken from the CSB.

• Proverbs 16:32 — Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.
• Proverbs 19:11 — A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
• Ecclesiastes 7:9 — Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools.
• James 1:19-20 — My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
• Psalm 37:8 — Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.
• Proverbs 14:17 — A quick-tempered person acts foolishly, and one who schemes is hated.
• Proverbs 29:22 — An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered one increases rebellion.
• Ephesians 4:26-27 — Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.
• Colossians 3:8 — But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.
• James 1:19-21 — My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Book Recommendations

• "Good and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness" by David Powlison
  A biblical reflection on anger with questions for self-examination.
• Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help for a Common Problem" by Robert D. Jones
  A helpful introduction to understanding anger biblically.
• "A Small Book About a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace" by Ed Welch
  A devotion format to work through anger biblically.
• “Count Yourself Calm: Taking BIG Feelings to a BIG God by Eliza Huie
  A good book for kids dealing with anger.
• "Untangling Emotions" by J. Alasdair Groves & Winston T. Smith
  A Christian’s guide for understanding, balancing, and engaging strong emotions.

Articles and Videos on Anger

• "Biblical Counseling and Anger" by the Biblical Counseling Coalition. — This resource provides practical advice on faith and anger.
• “Moms and Anger: Understanding Your Triggers” — A Focus on the Family discussion between Jim Daly, Amber Lia, and Wendy Speake about how moms can address challenges with anger.
• “The Roots of Sinful Anger” by Jeremy Pierre. — This article emphasizes humble self-assessment in addressing the anger in our hearts.

Secular Articles on Anger

These resources may have helpful tips and cite insightful research but do not necessarily reflect Christian beliefs or practice.

• The American Psychological Association (APA) has a section on their website dedicated to anger management.
• The Mayo Clinic also has a helpful article with 10 tips for anger management.
• The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) has compiled a factsheet to help you identify anger and use coping skills to reduce it.