What Does God Say About Anger?

Let’s be real—anger happens. Whether it’s a slow burn or a full-on explosion, we all feel mad sometimes. But what should we do with that anger?

What does God say about anger? Here are some of my favorite Bible verses that help me put things into perspective when I feel mad.

It’s Okay to Feel Mad

Psalm 4:4

“When you’re angry, don’t do anything that’s out of line—just quietly let your heart reflect on it in bed.”

Ephesians 4:26

“You can be angry as long as you don’t step out of line. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger,”

These verses remind me that anger itself isn’t sinful—what matters is how we handle it. God expects that we’ll feel mad sometimes. (Even God is described as getting mad!) But He also calls us to pause and process, not lash out or bottle it up until we explode. Anger is like fire: it can either burn everything down or be used constructively—depending on how we manage it.

Anger Causes Problems

Psalm 37:8

“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.”

Proverbs 15:18

“A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.”

When anger is left unchecked, it tends to escalate things. It can cloud our judgment, hurt people around us, and often cause more damage than whatever triggered it in the first place. Sometimes I’ve found myself mid-rant over something small and had to stop and think, Wait, is this even worth it?

These verses are a warning: anger, if left to roam free, rarely ends well.

Giving in to Anger is Unwise

Psalm 37:8

“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”

Proverbs 19:11

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

It’s not weak to hold your tongue—it’s wise. It sometimes takes real strength keep anger at bay. But there’s beauty in patience. There’s peace in self-control. And there’s honor in choosing not to be offended.

Final Thoughts

It’s okay to feel angry. You’re not broken or “less spiritual” for getting mad—God made you with emotions. But once that first surge hits, we have a choice. We can let anger take the wheel and crash us into conflict, or we can take a deep breath, bring it to God, and respond in a way that brings peace.

God’s not asking us to stuff our emotions down. He’s inviting us to process them with Him—and to reflect His wisdom, even when we’re mad.