The Bible has a lot to say about emotions, both positive and negative. In the Bible, God speaks through His Word to encourage us and remind us that He understands how we feel. He knows our sorrows, joys, worries, anxieties, fears, and more. We can take comfort in knowing that our emotions are not ignored by God. He cares deeply about how we feel and wants to help us process them in healthy ways. In this article, we’ll be looking at 10 Bible verses that talk about emotions and provide insight into understanding and managing them according to Scripture. In addition, we’ll be answering some frequently asked questions about emotions in the Bible so that readers can gain a deeper understanding of what it has to say about our feelings.
Scripture about Emotions
10 Bible Verses about Emotions
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 29:11 ESV
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 15:18 ESV
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
Galatians 5:16-24 ESV
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, …
Romans 12:2 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Ecclesiastes 3:4 ESV
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Joshua 1:9 ESV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Romans 12:15 ESV
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 8:28 ESV
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
https://www.openbible.info/topics/emotions
Scripture about Emotions KJV
My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10 in the King James Version, which reads: “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse speaks to me in times of distress and reminds me that God is present and in control. In this Scripture, God is giving us instruction on how to steward our emotions in light of Him. It encourages us to pause and remember His sovereignty even when we are going through trials. No matter our circumstance, this verse emphasizes that He will always be there for us; all we have to do is be still and lean into Him.
FAQ about Emotions in the Bible
In the Bible, God gives us a variety of emotions for different purposes. According to many theologians, the ultimate purpose of God-given emotions is to draw us into deeper relationship with Him. For example, when we feel joy, we are reminded of His goodness and mercy in our lives. When we experience sorrow or depression, these feelings can often lead us to draw closer to Him in prayer and contemplation. Ultimately, He desires for us to experience all emotion so that we may be humbled before Him and recognize our need for His presence in our lives.
The Bible offers guidance for every emotion we may experience. Generally speaking, the Bible encourages us to manage our emotions in a way that honors and glorifies God. For instance, when we feel tempted to give into anger or revenge, the Bible instructs us to turn to God and ask for His help in controlling our emotions (Proverbs 16:32). Additionally, when we feel overwhelmed by fear or anxiety, the Bible encourages us to seek refuge in the Lord and trust in His protection (Psalm 56:3-4). Ultimately, God desires for us to steward our emotions according to His will and use them to help draw closer to Him.
Emotions are mentioned in the Bible nearly one thousand times. In the Old Testament, words such as anger, joy, sorrow, and love are used hundreds of times. The New Testament mentions emotions dozens of times, expressing the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships with others. Jesus himself often expressed emotion—anger at those who were not living according to God’s plan or compassion for those who were hurting. Even today, emotions are a powerful tool we can use to relate to one another and show each other love.
Controlling our emotions biblically begins with prayer. Pray for God’s help in understanding what He is asking us to do and how to handle our emotions responsibly. Ask Him to give you the self-control that comes from the Holy Spirit. Additionally, meditation on Scripture can be a great way to gain wisdom and insight into how we should respond to situations in which we feel tempted to sin or emotionally drained. Lastly, fellowship with other Christians can also be helpful in learning how to control our emotions through scriptural discussions and biblical accountability.