James 1:20

20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

James 1:20 in Other Translations

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

20 God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger.

20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

20 An angry person doesn't do what God approves of.

20 for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.

20 A man's anger doesn't produce the kind of life God wants.

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 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Cross References

• 1. S Matthew 5:22