In a world marked by hurt and frustration, Scripture calls us to a higher road—one of patience before we react and readiness to extend grace. The theme be slow to anger and quick to forgive Bible verse KJV reminds us that personal peace and healthy relationships flow from a spirit that restrains wrath and freely offers mercy. These passages equip us to mirror God’s patience and forgiveness in every circumstance.
Key Takeaways
- Patience in anger reflects wisdom and self‑control.
- Forgiveness restores relationships and reflects Christ’s love.
- God’s own character models both slow anger and lavish mercy.
- Regularly meditating on these verses shapes our natural responses.
Whether you’re wrestling with ongoing conflict or seeking to cultivate a gentler heart, these 15 KJV Bible verses will encourage and instruct you in living out patience and forgiveness.
Also Read: 15 Bible Verses About Anger: Finding Wisdom, Comfort, and Healing
15 Bible Verses on Be Slow to Anger and Quick to Forgive
1. Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Explanation:
Solomon contrasts wisdom and foolishness: patience in anger shows insight, while quick temper signals impulsive folly.
2. Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Explanation:
Choosing to overlook offenses brings honor. Discretion in anger and willingness to forgive reveals character strength.
3. Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Explanation:
Uncontrolled anger fuels conflict; restraint and peace‑making soothe tensions and restore harmony.
4. Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Explanation:
Self‑control in the face of provocation is a greater achievement than any military conquest.
5. James 1:19–20
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Explanation:
James teaches that listening before reacting avoids sinful anger. Human wrath never produces God’s holy purposes.
6. Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Explanation:
Solomon warns that harboring quick anger burdens the heart. Patience distinguishes the wise from the fool.
7. Ephesians 4:31–32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away…
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Explanation:
Paul pairs the removal of wrath with the active practice of kindness and forgiveness, modeling God’s own mercy.
8. Colossians 3:12–13
Put on therefore… bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any…
Explanation:
Believers are called to “wear” compassion and patience. Forgiveness flows from a heart clothed in Christ‑like humility.
9. Matthew 6:14–15
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Explanation:
Jesus links our forgiveness of others directly to God’s forgiveness of us, underscoring its spiritual necessity.
10. Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Explanation:
Prayer and forgiveness go hand in hand. Harboring offense hinders our own communion with God.
11. Luke 17:3–4
Take heed to yourselves… If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Explanation:
Jesus teaches repetitive forgiveness: true mercy doesn’t count limits but reflects God’s boundless grace.
12. Psalm 103:8–10
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide…
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Explanation:
David celebrates God’s character: His patience in anger and abundance of mercy toward our failures models how we should treat others.
13. Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Explanation:
God’s readiness to pardon every sinner who calls highlights His merciful nature and invites us to imitate His forgiveness.
14. 1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Explanation:
Peter exhorts love that overlooks offenses—a protective covering of relationships that prevents bitterness from taking root.
15. Micah 7:18–19
…Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers.
Explanation:
Micah rejoices that God both delights to show pardon and unexpectedly removes transgressions from view—an inspiring model for our own forgiveness.
Also Read: Bible verses about anger
Conclusion and Reflection
These be slow to anger and quick to forgive Bible verse KJV passages show that patience and mercy are not merely good advice but essential fruit of a life shaped by God’s grace. By restraining our wrath and extending forgiveness, we mirror the heart of our Patient, Forgiving Savior.
Consider which verse challenges you most, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you practice patience and mercy this week.
Call to Action:
We’d love to hear from you! Share in the comments how God’s Word has helped you slow your anger or extend forgiveness toward someone—your story can encourage others on the same journey.