For Anger Dwells in the Heart of Fools

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Aug 09, 2026

(Photo by Amjad nasser on Unsplash. AMP)

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (AMP) Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger dwells in the heart of fools.

This verse gives us a warning about being “eager” to get angry. When we are eager to become angry, that anger can begin to dwell within us. According to this verse, it is foolish to allow anger to take up residence in our hearts.

This verse is challenging because it is so easy to become angry. Your family can say something that irritates you. You can watch a news story that frustrates you. Something at work can provoke you. Every day, we encounter situations that can stir up anger within us.

The Bible teaches us that we should not be easily provoked. God calls us to be slow to anger, like God is slow to anger. As Christians, our goal is to reflect God’s character to the people around us. This includes the way we respond when we are irritated, frustrated or provoked.

So, what do you do?

The key is to abide in Christ. Look to Christ and spend time with Him throughout the day. Memorize and meditate on verses like this one. Ask God to empower you not to be eager in your heart to become angry. When you feel yourself becoming provoked, turn to Him instead of immediately reacting.

If you do find yourself becoming angry quickly, immediately confess it to God. Tell Him that you recognize your anger was wrong. Ask Him for forgiveness. Ask Him to give you the strength to not become angry so quickly. Ask Him to remove any anger that is beginning to take residence in your heart. Submit yourself to God and allow Him to change your heart.

Over time, you will begin to notice a change. The things that used to irritate you may not affect you the way they once did. You will become more patient. You will mature spiritually. Instead of being controlled by anger, you will become more controlled by the Spirit. As you abide in Christ, you will increasingly reflect Christ, even in the way you respond when you are provoked. ~ Jeff M Newman

Latest Bible Study

Lesson 92 - 1 John 3:9...they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Do the works Jesus does.

John 14:12 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Previous Bible Study