Emotions play a significant role in being human. They shape our choices, our thoughts, our words, and even the atmosphere we carry. A joyful person naturally spreads light, but a bitter heart radiates tension. Handling emotions is one of the surest signs of maturity — and anger, especially, is the emotion most frequently warned against in Scripture.

I’ve been thinking about this topic for a while. I had planned to continue The Surrender Series: Sin, but the Holy Spirit kept stirring my heart to talk about anger. Perhaps because it’s a battle I know too well.

I actually have a not-so-good history with anger. I used to get angry easily and could store up that anger for months. It led to resentment, hatred, and even thoughts of revenge. Sin always had a field day in my life whenever anger took hold. I’ve hit my siblings, insulted people, called my parents names under my breath, and spoken words I can never take back. Looking back, I can only shake my head and say — truly, anger makes one mad.

The Bible never said we should never get angry. In fact, God Himself gets angry. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah, the flood in Noah’s day, and the times He handed Israel over to their enemies. Even our Messiah, Yeshua, became angry when He drove out the traders from the temple.

So no, the Bible doesn’t say “Thou shalt not be angry.” But there’s something deeper to see in these examples. If you study Scripture carefully, you’ll notice that God’s anger is never impulsive. It’s always measured, just, and slow.

Psalm 103:8 — “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”
Psalm 145:8 — “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.”
Nehemiah 9:17 — “…but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.”

If sin angers God, why did He wait until “the wickedness of man was great in the earth” before flooding it? Because our God is slow to anger. That is His nature — patient, merciful, full of compassion. And since we are made in His image, we too must reflect that same restraint.

Now think of Jesus. In all His years on earth, the only time He showed anger was when zeal for His Father’s house consumed Him. He had many reasons to get angry — betrayal, mockery, unbelief — yet He remained composed. That one moment of righteous anger was not self-centered; it was holy.

So anger itself is not sin. It depends on:

The Cause

What makes you angry?

Jesus’ anger was born from zeal for God’s holiness. Ours, however, is often rooted in pride, ego, or offense. We get angry over disrespect, inconvenience, or things that don’t even deserve a second thought.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 — “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”

The Bible calls the easily angered person a fool. That used to be me. I bragged about having a temper, as though it proved I was strong. But Scripture says the opposite.

Proverbs 14:17 — “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.”
Proverbs 14:29 — “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”

In short — quick temper, small wisdom.

James 1:20 (NIV) — “Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Our anger rarely defends God’s glory. More often, it defends our pride. And pride is the seed of every downfall.

The Motive

Our emotions are fruit — fruit of the heart. God’s character is slow to anger; therefore, when we easily explode, something in us doesn’t yet look like Him.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

We must search the root of our anger. Often, it’s not the words people say, but the wounds they touch. It may be pride. It may be insecurity. It may be an old hurt we never forgave.

Pride is one of the biggest culprits. Pride whispers, “You can’t talk to me that way,” or “I deserve better.” It makes us overly sensitive and easily provoked. Pride doesn’t like correction, so it lashes out.

Unforgiveness is another. As someone who’s wrestled deeply with it, I can say anger feels powerful in the moment — but it’s a lie. It’s a high that drains your spirit. You feel justified, but it leaves you empty.

Holding on to anger is like holding a burning coal — it hurts you first. I used to wear my anger like armor. My face would harden; people could tell something was wrong. I carried grudges for months, plotted revenge, and even smiled while resenting people. That’s not strength — that’s bondage.

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) — “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

Forgiving doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re free. When you release others, you release yourself.

Proverbs 29:22 (KJV) — “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”

The more easily you flare up, the more likely you are to sin.

The Response

This is the true test. How do you react when provoked?

James 1:19 (NIV) — “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

This is the divine sequence of peace:

  1. Quick to listen – hear before reacting. Try to understand before responding.
  2. Slow to speak – silence is strength. “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 29:11)
  3. Slow to anger – take time to breathe, pray, and see through the Spirit’s eyes.

You may feel justified, but pause. Jesus, hanging on the cross, had every reason to lash out. Yet He said, “Father, forgive them.”

Even when you must correct or confront, do it from love, not rage. For “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) — “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”

Don’t give the devil room to build bitterness in your heart. Don’t sleep on wrath — surrender it before the day ends.

Proverbs 16:32 (KJV) — “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

A Final Word

When anger surges, our flesh screams to respond — to shout, insult, or retaliate. But that’s when the Spirit whispers, “Be still.”

The high of anger is temporary; the shame that follows lasts longer. Many have destroyed relationships, marriages, and ministries in one heated moment.

Proverbs 12:16 (KJV) — “A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.”

When you pause instead of exploding, you choose wisdom over weakness.

So the next time anger knocks, pause. Don’t let it control you. Remember — God, the Almighty, is slow to anger. Should His children be any quicker?

Pray, breathe, and let the Holy Spirit help you respond rather than react. Let go before the sun sets. The goal is not to never feel anger but to never let anger rule you.

Let us learn, therefore, to be slow to anger, for that is the character of our Father. And when we reflect His character, even our tempers become testimonies of grace.

🔥 Key Takeaway:

Anger is not the sin — it’s the response that determines righteousness.
Master your emotions, and you’ll master your witness.
Proverbs 15:18 (KJV) — “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
Be slow to anger, rich in mercy, and quick to forgive — because that’s who your Father is.