The verse in Ephesians 4:26 that says “In your anger do not sin” is an important verse for Christians to understand. Anger is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences at times, but the Bible tells us that we need to be careful not to let our anger cause us to sin.
The full verse in Ephesians says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Let’s break this down to understand what Paul is teaching in this passage:
1. Anger is not necessarily sinful
The first part of the verse tells us “in your anger do not sin.” This implies that anger itself is not a sin. Anger is a natural human emotion that even godly people like Jesus expressed at times (Mark 3:5). However, while anger itself is not sinful, it can quickly lead to sin if not handled properly.
2. Don’t let anger cause you to sin in your actions or words
When we get angry, it is easy to be tempted to sin in our response. We might yell hurtful things, say things we later regret, hurt others either verbally or physically, break things, seek vengeance, etc. The Bible tells us when we are angry we need to be extremely careful not to let it cause us to sin in our words, attitudes or actions.
Jesus taught that anger can lead to even deeper sin like insulting others or hurting them: “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22).
James also warned about letting anger cause us to sin: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20).
3. Anger can lead to bitterness, resentment and lasting divisions
Another reason we need to be careful of anger is that if left unchecked, it can turn into bitterness, resentment, and deep divisions. The longer we hold onto anger and do not work to resolve it, the more it can take root in our hearts.
The New Testament warns about the dangers of unchecked anger a number of times. Paul writes, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Seeking forgiveness and reconciliation quickly is important: “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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:29-31).
4. Don’t let anger fester and don’t go to bed angry
The second part of Ephesians 4:26 warns, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” When we let anger go unresolved and fester overnight, it gives time for bitterness and resentment to take root. That’s why it’s important to resolve issues quickly and not let anger continue day after day.
Jesus taught about the importance of seeking to resolve conflict before offering your gift at the altar: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).
Letting anger fester can hinder our worship of God. That’s why we need to work through issues and seek forgiveness quickly before anger remains.
5. Anger can give the devil a foothold in your life
The final part of Ephesians 4:27 tells us not to let anger “give the devil a foothold.” How does anger allow Satan to get a foothold?
When we allow anger to turn into bitterness, resentment, slander, division, etc., it gives the devil openings to lead us into further sin and spiritual attacks. Unresolved anger can hinder our prayers and our relationships. If kept up over time, bitterness can defile many and become a stumbling block to others (Hebrews 12:15).
On the other hand, when we seek forgiveness and reconciliation, it closes doors to the work of the enemy in our relationships. Resolving issues with others and forgiving those who have wronged us takes away the enemy’s leverage and opportunities in our lives.
6. We need to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, not sinful anger
As Christians, we are called to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a). The qualities listed here – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – stand in opposition to the works of the sinful nature like rage, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, etc. (Galatians 5:19-21).
So we need to intentionally cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. As we grow in Christ-like love, joy, peace, patience and self-control, it will help us to respond to anger and conflict in a godly way instead of in sinful, fleshly ways.
7. We can be constructive in our anger instead of destructive
The Bible does show us that there is such a thing as righteous anger. Anger itself is not sin, but can be constructive if handled well. For example, Jesus expressed anger at the money changers who were profiteering in the temple courts (John 2:13-16). Ephesians 4:26 does not say anger is prohibited, but warns against sinning in our anger and letting it go unchecked.
We need wisdom and self-control to express anger in a godly way. We can speak up against injustice and abuses in a righteous way. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let it lead to destructive words or actions that cross moral boundaries.
8. Think before speaking when angry
The book of James has this sobering warning about the danger of the tongue: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26). Anger often leads us to speak destructive words that hurt others and make situations worse.
That’s why James advises us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak” especially when angry. The wise person carefully considers their words when upset (Proverbs 14:29, 17:27-28). Thoughtless, knee-jerk reactions will only make anger more destructive.
9. Use wisdom in how you express anger
There are ungodly ways to express anger, like screaming, hurtful words, violence, etc. But there are also godly ways to express anger and protest – like speaking firmly but gently, writing a strongly-worded letter, using reasoned arguments, etc. As Jesus showed with the money changers in the temple, anger can prompt decisive and godly action against injustice.
The Bible says there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). And there are situations where it’s better not to answer at all: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). We need wisdom to know when and how to express anger in a righteous way.
10. Be part of the solution, not the problem
It’s easy when angry to blame others and not take any responsibility. But we need humility and wisdom to look at our own part in the problem – how we may have contributed to a conflict.
The goal should be reconciliation and finding a constructive solution, not escalating tensions and divisions. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:17-18).
Reviewing our own conduct can help us identify ways we may have provoked a dispute through our words or actions (Galatians 6:1). Then we can work to make things right and be part of the solution.
11. Pray for and forgive those who anger you
Prayer is one of the best antidotes to unresolved anger. Praying for those who anger or mistreat us opens the door for God to heal our hearts and intervene in disputes.
Jesus taught that we should pray for and forgive those who harm us: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45a). And in the Lord’s Prayer he gave the example of forgiving those who sin against us (Matthew 6:12).
Letting go of anger through prayer and forgiveness is freeing. We overcome evil with good when we refuse to hold onto bitterness but instead pray for and bless those who wrong us (Romans 12:14, 21).
12. Seek help from others in resolving anger
Anger often arises in the context of relationships and conflicts with others. That is why resolving it may require help from other people, such as a spouse, friend, counselor, or pastor who can advise and mediate.
“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over” (Matthew 18:15). Seeking help can open the door for reconciliation and restoration of relationships damaged by anger.
13. Learn from godly examples of handling anger
The Bible provides many examples of godly men and women who learned to control their anger and respond to injustice and conflict in a righteous way.
Moses dealt with great opposition and anger from the Israelites, but the Bible says: “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). Moses was slow to anger and did not react in sinful, destructive ways.
David restrained himself from violence against Saul even when Saul tried multiple times to kill him out of jealousy and rage (1 Samuel 24, 26). David learned to wait for God to vindicate him rather than take vengeance into his own hands.
Nehemiah came and found great injustice done against the Jews. But he “became very angry” and challenged them firmly but righteously, spurring reforms (Nehemiah 5:6-12). His example shows anger can motivate positive change.
In addition to biblical examples, mature Christians around us can model constructive ways to handle anger and seek reconciliation in disputes.
14. Walk in step with the Holy Spirit
As with other areas of the Christian life, learning to handle anger according to God’s word requires His supernatural help.
We need the Holy Spirit to empower us: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). When we walk in step with God’s Spirit, He produces His fruit in our lives, including the qualities needed to respond to anger righteously – “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural help to recognize ungodly anger and avoid reacting in destructive, sinful ways.
15. God’s grace can overcome anger and its effects
Anger is a deeply rooted issue that stems from the human heart and often takes time to overcome. But God promises His grace is sufficient to help us with any struggle, including handling anger.
While anger can lead us into sin, God’s grace can lead us to repentance and freedom from sin. “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20). God forgives us when anger causes us to sin, as we confess it and turn from it (1 John 1:9).
God also enables us by His Spirit to respond to anger and conflict constructively, not destructively. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a). His gracious strength is shown powerful through our human weakness and limitations in dealing with anger.
Where anger has caused deep hurts and divisions, God’s redeeming grace can bring healing and reconciliation. He specializes in restoring broken relationships and bringing good out of even the worst situations.
16. Jesus provides the example of perfect righteousness in dealing with anger
Like us, Jesus experienced anger. He zealously drove out those exploiting the temple. He expressed frustration at Pharisees’ stubbornness. He felt righteous anger at the hard hearts of religious leaders.
But Jesus perfectly modeled how to handle anger without crossing the line into sin. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
Not only did Jesus avoid sin in His anger, but He actively pursued reconciliation, restoration and forgiveness. While justly provoked, Jesus chose to bring salvation, not destruction.
Through His Holy Spirit now living in us, Christ empowers us to follow His example. We can turn from destructive reactions to constructive responses that honor God. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
17. Believers will one day experience no more anger
Although anger remains a human struggle in this life, the Bible promises anger will one day be ended for believers. In the perfection of heaven, there will be no more conflicts, offenses or abuses that stir up anger.
John’s Revelation describes the eternal joy and peace awaiting Christians: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). What a glorious hope!
This truth can motivate us to put off anger more and more now. Since we know anger will end, we can start living out that heavenly reality in our relationships today.
Conclusion
Anger is a complex subject, and the Bible gives us many principles for understanding and properly handling anger. The key is allowing God’s Spirit to produce His fruit of “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). As we grow in walking in step with the Spirit, we can overcome destructive tendencies and instead handle even righteous anger wisely and constructively.