James 1:20

20 for human^[a] anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

James 1:20 Meaning and Commentary

James 1:20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
] This is so far from engaging persons to do that which is right and acceptable in the sight of God, that it puts them upon doing that which is evil. The Alexandrian copy reads, "with the wrath of men do not work the righteousness of God"; do not attend upon the word and ordinances of God with a wrathful spirit. Compare, with this, ( 1 Timothy 2:8 ) .

James 1:20 In-Context

18 [By his] will he gave birth to us through the message of truth, so that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

19 Understand [this], my dear brothers: every person must be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,

20 for human anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore, putting aside all moral uncleanness and wicked excess, welcome with humility the implanted message which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the message and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "man's"