James 1:20 kjv

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

James 1:20 nkjv

for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

James 1:20 niv

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

James 1:20 esv

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

James 1:20 nlt

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

James 1 verses

James 1 20 Meaning

Human anger, which is driven by fallen human nature and personal passions, is completely unproductive in achieving or promoting the righteousness that God requires and embodies. It actively impedes genuine conformity to God's character and divine will.

James 1 20 Context

James Chapter 1 sets the tone for a letter of practical wisdom addressed to Jewish Christians dispersed throughout the world. The chapter begins by guiding believers through trials, showing how endurance produces maturity (v.2-12), and clarifies that God is not the author of temptation, but desires good for His children (v.13-18). Verse 19 serves as a bridge, instructing believers to "be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to become angry." Verse 20 then immediately follows, providing the crucial reason for being slow to anger: human anger is inherently incompatible with God's perfect and holy righteousness. This establishes a foundational principle for living out one's faith authentically, paving the way for James' subsequent emphasis on genuinely "doing the word" (v.22-27), not merely hearing it.

James 1 20 Word analysis

• For (γάρ, gar): This conjunction serves as a logical connector, explaining the immediate preceding command. It introduces the rationale or cause behind the instruction to "be slow to anger" (Jas 1:19). It signals that what follows provides the critical justification for such an attitude.
• the wrath (ὀργὴ, orgē): Refers to a settled, deep-seated passion, an abiding emotion of resentment, indignation, or vengeance. It implies a lasting anger rather than a sudden outburst (thymos). This wrath originates from a sinful disposition or reaction to perceived injustice or personal slight, rather than a pure concern for divine truth.
• of man (ἀνδρός, andros): Specifies the source and nature of this anger as human. It is distinct from God's righteous wrath. This phrase highlights anger that arises from selfish human desires, pride, impatience, or carnal motives, as opposed to a divinely inspired, just indignation. It underscores its fallen, earthly origin.
• does not produce (οὐ κατεργάζεται, ou katergazetai): "Ou" (not) provides an absolute and emphatic negation, meaning "it certainly does not" or "it is impossible that it produce." "Katergazetai" means to work out, accomplish, perform, bring about, or achieve an outcome. The phrase declares the absolute futility and ineffectiveness of human wrath in yielding the desired result. There is an inherent, unresolvable incompatibility between the act (human anger) and the desired consequence (God's righteousness).
• the righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē): This rich theological term refers to conformity to divine will, a state of moral rectitude, justice, and the active process of being made right with God. It encompasses right actions, right relationships, and adherence to God's holy standard. It speaks to the character and requirements of God Himself.
• of God (Θεοῦ, Theou): Indicates that this righteousness is sourced directly from God, belonging to Him, reflecting His perfect nature, and aligning with His divine purposes. It is God's own standard of holiness and His way of establishing what is just and true in the world and in believers. It stands in stark contrast to any human-derived or self-generated "righteousness."

• the wrath of man: This grouping emphasizes a particular type of anger—one that is earthly, often self-serving, and arises from the flawed human heart. It is passion or resentment unguided by the Spirit or divine principle, characterized by human frailty and sinfulness.
• does not produce the righteousness: This highlights an absolute causal disconnection. The actions stemming from human anger are incapable of generating, furthering, or achieving God's standard of holiness or righteous living. The means and the end are fundamentally misaligned; ungodly means cannot yield godly results.
• the righteousness of God: This phrase underlines that what is being spoken of is not a human standard of goodness, but a divine and perfect measure. It implies that true righteousness is divinely revealed, empowered, and sourced. Human anger, being earthly, can never connect with or advance this heavenly and pure standard.

James 1 20 Bonus section

This verse carries significant implications for discipleship, particularly regarding how believers address perceived wrongs or advocate for truth. It suggests that even zeal for God's cause, when fueled by unchecked human anger, becomes counterproductive. It implicitly calls for a spiritual posture of humility, patience, and self-control, which aligns with the fruit of the Spirit. The focus on "righteousness of God" reminds us that Christian ethics are not merely about avoiding outward sin, but about embodying God's character from an inner transformation, where passions are brought under divine control. This also has bearing on how one participates in church discipline or seeks justice; the how must be as righteous as the what.

James 1 20 Commentary

James 1:20 is a pivotal statement clarifying the spiritual barrenness of human anger. It directly answers why believers must be "slow to anger" (v.19): because such wrath is inherently futile for advancing God's purposes. Human anger, driven by personal frustration, pride, or worldly motives, stands in opposition to God's divine and holy nature. Unlike God's just wrath against sin, human wrath is typically corrupted by sin, leading to actions that wound, divide, and contradict the very principles of peace, love, and justice that define God's righteousness. This verse emphasizes that holiness cannot be achieved or enforced through unholy means; true godliness springs from a Spirit-led heart, not from carnal indignation. Consequently, letting go of vengeful or self-serving anger is not merely good self-control, but essential for genuinely participating in God's transforming work in one's life and the lives of others. For instance, when confronted with a disagreement, reacting with sharp words born of anger will only hinder a God-honoring resolution and produce further discord, rather than promoting understanding and peace.