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Catechism of the Catholic Church

Paragraph 2302

By recalling the commandment, "You shall not kill," our Lord asked for peace of heart and denounced murderous anger and hatred as immoral. (1765) Anger is a desire for revenge. "To desire vengeance in order to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit," but it is praiseworthy to impose restitution "to correct vices and maintain justice." If anger reaches the point of a deliberate desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely against charity; it is a mortal sin. The Lord says, "Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment."

Biblical citations

Related passages (suggestions)

  • Romans 12:19·BibleRomans 12:19

    Não vos vingueis uns dos outros, caríssimos, mas deixai agir a ira de Deus, porque está escrito: A mim a vingança; a mim exercer a justiça, diz o Senhor (Dt 32,35).

  • Psalms 33:22·BiblePsalms 33:22

    A malícia do ímpio o leva à morte, e os que odeiam o justo serão castigados.