Anger is a Serious Sin! 9 Scriptures that Help Us Overcome it.

Before doing this study, please read the 1-minute introduction 2 Step Process for Overcoming Anger.

The following passages not only give you the Biblical perspective on anger, they also are great passages to copy onto cards so you can daily pray through them. The benefit of reciting, memorizing and reading Scripture to overcome sin is discussed in this Bite Size study: Defeating Sin with Scripture. 

1. Self-Control is more important than power:

Proverbs 16:32: Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. 

2. As we study God's wisdom in His Word, our patience improves:

Proverbs 19:11: A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense. 

Proverbs 29:11: Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. 

3. A great deal of anger comes from misunderstandings:

James 1:19-20: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  

4. Anger is a character trait that contradicts the fruits of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:19-21: The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  

5. As we mature in Christ, we should be getting rid of these sinful attitudes and actions:

Colossians 3:8: But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.  

Ephesians 4:22-24: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  

6. Guarding our mouths is an important part of controlling anger:

Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 


copyright 2017, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated 2022