Anger in itself is not always sinful, but how it is handled determines whether it honors God or leads to sin. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” This implies that anger must be controlled and resolved quickly.
God is slow to anger, as Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” As His children, we are called to reflect that same patience and restraint.
Uncontrolled anger leads to destruction. Proverbs 29:22 says, “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” Again in Proverbs 14:29, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.”
Jesus warned against the heart of anger in Matthew 5:22, “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” This shows that even unrighteous anger, held in the heart, is serious in God’s eyes.
James 1:19-20 provides a crucial command, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Righteous anger—such as Jesus displayed when cleansing the temple (John 2:13-17)—is directed at sin and injustice. But man’s anger, rooted in pride or self-interest, is destructive. The believer is called to put away wrath and walk in the Spirit.
