What does the Bible say about controlling your temper?

Anger is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, uncontrolled anger can lead to sinful words and actions that damage relationships and hurt others. The Bible has much to say about controlling our temper and managing anger in a godly way.

The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns about the dangers of uncontrolled anger and hasty words spoken in rage. “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27). Losing your temper and raging in anger is foolishness that comes from a lack of understanding about how to handle difficult situations.

James 1:19-20 also cautions, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Anger often leads us to make harsh responses that do not reflect the righteousness of Christ. Instead, we are to be quick to listen, slow to speak out in anger, and slow to become angry in the first place.

Several verses point to the solution of keeping anger under control. “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Ruling our own spirit means keeping our temper and reactions under control even when provoked. Ephesians 4:26 also instructs, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Anger in itself is not a sin, but it often leads to sinful words or actions if left unchecked. We should express anger in healthy ways and seek reconciliation quickly.

The Bible is clear that anger can be righteous when directed against injustice and sin (Ephesians 4:26, Mark 3:5). However, more often anger leads us astray. Ecclasiastes 7:9 cautions, “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” Unrighteous anger stems from pride, selfishness, and lack of trust in God’s sovereignty.

What does the Bible prescribe as an antidote to uncontrolled anger? First, we are to surrender our lives to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds (Romans 12:2). As we grow in faith, the fruit of the Spirit such as peace, patience, and self-control will displace unhealthy anger (Galatians 5:22-23).

Second, we are to follow Jesus’ example when provoked: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Rather than lash out in anger, we can choose to endure injustice while trusting God for justice and vindication.

Third, we are to seek peace with others through honest conversation and sometimes compromise, rather than fueling conflicts through anger (Romans 12:18). “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Gentle, thoughtful speech can often diffuse anger and lead to resolution.

Fourth, battling anger requires inner spiritual discipline through prayer, God’s word, and the continual refilling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18, Psalm 119:11). Regularly communing with God provides guidance and empowers us to override angry impulses with His love and self-control.

Fifth, finding healthy outlets for anger through exercise, creative pursuits, or home improvements can channel frustration productively instead of destructively.

Sixth, identifying triggers for anger allows us to proactively manage situations and relationships to minimize unnecessary clashes. As James says, “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). We should take care not to excuse unrighteous anger as “righteous indignation” when it may simply be pride or impatience.

Seventh, counseling or joining an anger management program provides tools to handle rage in healthier ways. Accountability to others helps identify problematic patterns of anger.

Lastly, extending and receiving forgiveness for angry words helps reconciliation and healing (Colossians 3:13). Anger often hurts others, so seeking their forgiveness is necessary, as God has forgiven us.

In summary, the Bible offers much wise guidance about controlling anger and keeping one’s temper in check. As Proverbs says, “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Though anger itself is not always sin, it must be managed carefully to avoid words and actions that dishonor God. With the Spirit’s help and biblical strategies, Christians can learn to handle anger and conflict in ways that glorify Christ.

Here are some key Bible verses about controlling anger:

Proverbs 14:29 – Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:32 – Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 19:11 – Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

James 1:19-20 – Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Ephesians 4:26 – Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 3:8 – But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

James 1:19-20 – Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 29:11 – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

1 Timothy 2:8 – I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.

Romans 12:17-19 – Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Psalm 37:8 – Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Proverbs 17:14 – The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

Matthew 5:22 – But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

Ephesians 4:31 – Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Proverbs 15:18 – A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 29:22 – A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.

James 1:19 – Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Proverbs 14:17 – A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.

Proverbs 14:29 – Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Ephesians 4:26 – Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,