James 1:20
New International Version
because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

New Living Translation
Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

English Standard Version
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Berean Standard Bible
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Berean Literal Bible
for man’s anger does not produce the righteousness of God.

King James Bible
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

New King James Version
for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

New American Standard Bible
for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.

NASB 1995
for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

NASB 1977
for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Amplified Bible
for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us].

Berean Annotated Bible
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Christian Standard Bible
for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

American Standard Version
for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Contemporary English Version
If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things God wants done.

English Revised Version
for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
An angry person doesn't do what God approves of.

Good News Translation
Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose.

International Standard Version
For human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

NET Bible
For human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.

New Heart English Bible
for human anger does not produce the righteousness of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Weymouth New Testament
For a man's anger does not lead to action which God regards as righteous.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

World English Bible
for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the wrath of a man does not work the righteousness of God;

Berean Literal Bible
for man’s anger does not produce the righteousness of God.

Young's Literal Translation
for the wrath of a man the righteousness of God doth not work;

Smith's Literal Translation
For man's anger works not the justice of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the anger of man does not accomplish the justice of God.

New American Bible
for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

New Revised Standard Version
for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the wrath of man does not bring about the righteousness of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the rage of man does not perform the righteousness of God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For the wrath of man produces not the righteousness of God.

Godbey New Testament
for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.

Haweis New Testament
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Mace New Testament
for he that is not dispassionate is a stranger to the practice of true virtue.

Weymouth New Testament
For a man's anger does not lead to action which God regards as righteous.

Worrell New Testament
for man's wrath works not God's righteousness.

Worsley New Testament
for the wrath of man doth not practise the righteousness of God.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Hearing and Doing
19My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.…

Cross References
man’s anger

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

Proverbs 14:17
A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.
does not bring about

Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.
the righteousness

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Romans 3:21-22
But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,

Romans 6:13
Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
that God desires.

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.


Treasury of Scripture

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

James 3:17,18
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy…

Numbers 20:11,12
And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also

2 Timothy 2:24,25
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, …

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James 1
1. James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;
2. exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;
5. to ask patience of God;
13. and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,
19. but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.
26. Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.












for man’s anger

Human anger often springs from pride, frustration, or a desire for retaliation. Unlike God’s holy judgment, it easily leads to harsh speech, unjust actions, and broken relationships, as Cain’s resentment toward Abel demonstrated.

Pro 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but…
Ecc 7:9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,…
Pro 14:17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man……

does not bring about

Anger driven by sinful human impulses cannot produce the obedience, justice, or peace God requires.

Psa 37:8 Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret…
Pro 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man…
Eph 4:26-27 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set…

the righteousness

God’s righteousness includes right conduct, faithful obedience, and just treatment of others.

Mat 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,…
Rom 3:21-22 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God…
Rom 6:13 Do not present the parts of your body to sin…

that God desires.

God desires His people to reflect His character through humility, self-control, mercy, and obedience to His will.

Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good.…
Mat 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is…
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…

Persons / Places / Events
1. James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus. He was a leader in the early Jerusalem church and wrote to Jewish Christians scattered abroad.

2. Jewish Christians
The primary audience of the letter, who were facing trials and temptations, and needed guidance on living out their faith practically.

3. Early Church
The context in which James wrote, characterized by persecution, social challenges, and the need for strong moral and ethical guidance.
Teaching Points
Understanding Anger
Anger in itself is not inherently sinful, but it becomes problematic when it leads to actions or attitudes that are contrary to God's righteousness.

Righteousness of God
The righteousness that God desires is characterized by peace, patience, and love, which are often hindered by human anger.

Self-Control
Believers are called to exercise self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, to manage their emotions and reactions in a way that honors God.

Conflict Resolution
Practical steps should be taken to resolve conflicts and address anger in a manner that seeks reconciliation and peace.

Reflecting Christ
Our response to anger should reflect the character of Christ, who demonstrated patience and forgiveness even in the face of provocation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of James 1:20?

2. How can we control anger to align with "man's anger does not produce righteousness"?

3. What steps can we take to cultivate patience according to James 1:20?

4. How does James 1:20 connect with Proverbs 14:29 about being slow to anger?

5. In what ways can we practice righteousness in our daily interactions?

6. How can prayer help us manage anger as instructed in James 1:20?

7. How does James 1:20 challenge our understanding of righteous anger in Christianity?

8. Why does James 1:20 emphasize controlling anger over other emotions?

9. How does James 1:20 align with Jesus' teachings on anger and forgiveness?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from James 1?


(20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.--Sarcastically rings the context. Perhaps there is still a sharper point to the satire: the wrath of man does not work God's righteousness "to the full." The warning may well be sounded in the ears of Christians still, who are not less apt than Jonah of old to say quickly and in self-excuse, "I do well to be angry" (Jonah 4:9). How many a holy work of household and parish has been and is thus hindered and destroyed; and if the golden words of the first bishop of the Church had been heeded better, there never had appeared one page of her long history blotted with the blood of a religious war.

Verse 20 gives the reason why men should be slow to wrath. Because man's wrath does not work God's righteousness δικαιοσύνην Θεοῦ), the righteousness which God demands and requires.

Man-born anger feels powerful but is spiritually sterile. It cannot produce the righteous life God intends; instead it smothers grace, fuels sin, and blocks the Spirit’s fruit. By surrendering temper to Christ, choosing patience, and pursuing reconciliation, believers reflect the righteousness their Father desires.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

man’s
ἀνδρὸς (andros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

anger
ὀργὴ (orgē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3709: From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment.

{does} not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

bring about
ἐργάζεται (ergazetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.

[the] righteousness
δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343: From dikaios; equity; specially justification.

that God [desires].
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


Additonal Resources
James 1:20 Blue Letter Bible
James 1:20 Bible Gateway
James 1:20 Bible.com

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James 1:20 Study Bible
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James 1:20 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: James 1:20 For the anger of man doesn't produce (Ja Jas. Jam)

James 1:19
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