5 Bible Verses to Help You Overcome Anger
Let he who is without anger cast the first stone! We’ve all experienced feelings of irritation or resentment because someone or something was unpleasant. Now, the Bible encourages Christians to cultivate and maintain a peaceful spirit in the face of anger. And overcoming anger is difficult to achieve out of goodwill alone. Sometimes we have to acknowledge our limitations, and ask God to grant us the grace to not be taken by temptation and rage. Thankfully, God is compassionate, and He offers His words to help us let go of our feelings of anger. Let these bible verses help you renounce resentment, and remind you of the five promises made by God to those who seek peace!
Peace Is a Weapon Against Evil
“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: 26-27)
Self-Control Is the Key to All
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
God Looks Favorably to His Peaceful Children
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)
Self-Control Is a Feat
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
FAQ on Dealing with Anger in the Bible
Which psalm should I read when I’m angry?
Here are two psalms to express anger and receive God’s peace:
Which verse shows Jesus getting angry?
In the Gospels, Jesus expresses anger toward the merchants in the Temple:
“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:12-13)
Which Bible verse can calm the heart?
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
What prayer can help soothe anger?
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (“Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace”):
*”Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”*
