Regardless of your religion there is certainly wisdom that can be found in the Christian Holy Book. Here are 28 Bible verses about anger and managing your temper. If you are like many of us and struggle with anger or would like to become more peaceful, many of these make great memory verses and/or mantras to incorporate into your daily routine.
Wisdom
1. Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger (
Proverbs 29:8).
2. It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (
Proverbs 20:3).
3. A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (
Proverbs 17:27).
4. A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless (
Proverbs 14:16)
5. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (
Proverbs 12:16).
6. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (
Proverbs 29:11).
7. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (
James 1:19-20).
Character Building
1. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (
1 Corinthians 13:4-5).
2. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (
Galatians 5:19-20).
3. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (
2 Timothy 2:24).
Speech
1. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil (
Psalm 37:8).
2. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (
Proverbs 15:1).
3. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (
Proverbs 12:18).
4.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (
Ephesians 4:29-32).
Self-Control and Patience
1. Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (
Proverbs 25:28).
2. A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (
Proverbs 15:18).
3. Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you (
Proverbs 20:22).
4. Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (
Proverbs 16:32).
5. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (
Proverbs 14:17).
6. A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (
Proverbs 14:29).
7. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (
Proverbs 4:23)
8. An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Proverbs 29:22).
Commands
1.You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment ... first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (
Matthew 5:21-24).
2. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (
Romans 12:21).
3. In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (
Ephesians 4:26-7).
4. Let your gentleness be evident to all (
Philippians 4:5).
5. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (
Colossians 3:8).
6. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (
1 Peter 3:9).
