Human anger arises for a number of reasons, some of which are acceptable and others which are not. Scripture stresses the potentially destructive aspects of human anger and urges moderation.
Reasons for human anger
Jealousy
Genesis 4:4–5 See also 1 Samuel 17:28, 1 Samuel 18:8; 1 Kings 21:4; Luke 15:28
while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.
Pride
Jonah 4:1 See also 2 Samuel 3:8, 2 Samuel 6:8; 2 Kings 5:11; 2 Chronicles 26:19
Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and he became angry.
The truth
2 Chronicles 16:10 Hanani had prophesied against the king. See also Numbers 24:10; Jeremiah 37:15
Asa was angry with the seer and became so enraged over this matter that he put the man in prison. And at the same time Asa oppressed some of the people.
Human anger is sometimes justified
Exodus 32:19 See also Exodus 11:8, Exodus 16:20; Numbers 16:15; Leviticus 10:16; 1 Samuel 11:6, 1 Samuel 20:34; 2 Samuel 12:5; Nehemiah 5:6; Mark 3:5; Luke 14:21
As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain.
Results of human anger
Strife
Genesis 4:8 See also 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalm 124:2–3; Proverbs 29:22, Proverbs 30:33
Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
God's judgment
Matthew 5:22 See also Genesis 49:5–7
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Sin
James 1:20 See also Psalm 4:4; Proverbs 14:17; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:26
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
Dealing with anger
Becoming slow to anger
1 Corinthians 13:5 See also Ecclesiastes 7:9; Titus 1:7; James 1:19
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.
Not taking revenge
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Renouncing anger
Ephesians 4:31 See also Psalm 37:8; Colossians 3:8; 1 Timothy 2:8
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.