Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.
What the Bible Says About Anger
The Bible does not condemn all anger. Ephesians 4:26 acknowledges that anger is sometimes an appropriate response, particularly when confronting injustice or sin. Even Jesus displayed anger when He cleansed the temple of merchants who were exploiting worshippers.
However, Scripture is clear that anger must be carefully controlled and quickly resolved. James instructs believers to be slow to wrath because human anger rarely produces the righteousness God desires. Unresolved anger gives the devil a foothold and poisons relationships.
The wisdom literature of the Old Testament offers practical counsel for managing anger. A gentle response defuses conflict, while harsh words escalate it. The person who controls their temper is described as stronger than a warrior who conquers a city (Proverbs 16:32).
Key Bible Verses
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
— Ephesians 4:26-27
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
— James 1:19-20
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
— Proverbs 15:1
Practical Application
- Follow James 1:19 by developing a habit of listening fully before responding, especially in heated conversations.
- Resolve conflicts before the end of each day, applying the Ephesians 4:26 principle of not letting the sun go down on your anger.
- When you feel anger rising, pause and ask whether your anger is righteous concern for justice or selfish frustration about not getting your way.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? What is the difference between being angry and sinning in your anger?
- ? Why does Proverbs say a soft answer turns away wrath, and can you think of a time that worked?
- ? What are healthy ways to express anger without hurting the people around you?
Family Activity
This week, look for examples of anger in your daily lives. Share one example at dinner each night and talk about how the Bible's teachings on anger can guide your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anger a sin in the Bible?
Anger itself is not always sinful. Ephesians 4:26 says to be angry and sin not, indicating that anger becomes sin when it is uncontrolled, prolonged, or expressed destructively.
How did Jesus handle anger?
Jesus showed righteous anger when He overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple (John 2:13-17), demonstrating that anger directed at genuine injustice and dishonoring of God can be appropriate.
What does the Bible say about holding a grudge?
Leviticus 19:18 says not to bear a grudge, and Colossians 3:13 instructs believers to forgive as Christ forgave them. Holding grudges is consistently warned against in Scripture.
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