James 1:20

20 for man's wrath does not work ^[a] God's righteousness.

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 According to his own will begat he us by the word of truth, that we should be a certain first-fruits of *his* creatures.

19 So that, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

20 for man's wrath does not work God's righteousness.

21 Wherefore, laying aside all filthiness and abounding of wickedness, accept with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of [the] word and not hearers only, beguiling yourselves.

Footnotes

• [a]. 'Work out as an effect,' as ver. 3: see Rom. 7.13.