Is yelling a sin? Is it a sin to yell?

Yelling is not a sin in itself. Sometimes we might yell out in pain (Isaiah 26:17; Revelation 12:2), cry out in anguished prayer (Acts 7:59–60), holler for help (Psalm 88:1; Matthew 27:46), or shout to get someone’s attention (Acts 14:10; 16:28). In these situations, yelling is not a sin. But when we lose control of our emotions in a violent outburst of anger toward someone, we likely cross the line into sinful behavior.

The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26; see also Psalm 37:8). This means it’s okay to feel the emotion of anger as long as we don’t act out in negative, hurtful ways toward others. In Galatians 5:20, the apostle Paul includes “fits of anger” (ESV), “fits of rage” (NIV), or “outbursts of wrath” (NKJV) in a category of sins labeled “acts of the flesh.” Human anger is explosive, aggressive, and hostile toward others. When our rage spews out in emotionally charged shouting, then, yes, it is a sin.

We must learn to deal with anger constructively so that we don’t lash out at others in sinful outbursts, giving the devil an opportunity or “foothold” to use against us (Ephesians 4:27). Perhaps the most detrimental form of yelling occurs when a parent responds to a child’s disobedience with uncontrolled anger. Such unrestrained verbal assaults should never be defended or excused as “a hot temper” or “flying off the handle.” No matter how displeasing, a child’s misbehavior does not justify our lack of self-control.

Numerous proverbs attest to the unfavorable outcome of furious rage:

If we struggle with yelling in our parental discipline, we must understand that such behavior is sinful. Scripture says, “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God” (Romans 6:13, NLT).

Yelling in anger at our children (or anyone) is unacceptable for the Spirit-led Christian. We must resist the urge to indulge the flesh, for the Bible says we are not to be controlled by our sinful nature but by the Spirit of God who lives in us (see Romans 8:9). We must not surrender to the flesh but to the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, shouting at our kids will likely have unintended consequences:

Parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their children and help them to grow up emotionally healthy and strong in their faith will seek the Lord’s help in controlling their anger. They will repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness when they give in to anger.

Scripture teaches that the sins of the flesh must be crucified (see Galatians 5:24; Romans 6:1–23; Colossians 3:5–25). Jesus Christ accomplished that work for us on the cross, but we must yield to that truth. Paul explains, “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:12–14, NLT).

We have a choice not to yell when we discipline our kids. We can learn God-honoring ways to correct their bad behavior—ways that are far more effective than yelling. Instead of shouting at family members and loved ones (or anyone, for that matter), we should “never treat them harshly” (Colossians 3:19, NLT). We ought to “pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, NKJV).