James 1:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the wrath {G3709} of man {G435} worketh {G2716} not {G3756} the righteousness {G1343} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for a person’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness!

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 1:20 succinctly declares that human anger, when it arises from our fallen nature and selfish impulses, is utterly incapable of producing the righteous character or actions that align with God's holy standards. This verse serves as a foundational reason for the preceding exhortation to be "slow to wrath," emphasizing the futility and counterproductive nature of unbridled human indignation in the pursuit of divine righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 1:20 stands as a direct and crucial explanation for the preceding command in [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Wrath"). After urging believers to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath," James immediately provides the theological rationale for controlling one's anger. The flow of thought in [James 1:19-21](/james/1-19-21 "James 1:19-21 - Hearing and Doing the Word") moves from the disposition of a disciple (quick to listen, slow to anger) to the reason for that disposition (human wrath's inability to produce righteousness), culminating in the call to humbly receive the engrafted word. This verse is not an isolated statement but an integral part of James's instruction on how genuine faith manifests itself in practical, Spirit-led living, particularly in the realm of interpersonal relationships and spiritual maturity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle of James is addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ([James 1:1](/james/1-1 "James 1:1 - Greeting to the Scattered Tribes")), likely referring to Jewish Christians in the diaspora. These early believers faced various trials and temptations, including internal strife and external pressures. In a society where honor and shame were paramount, and where disputes could quickly escalate, the control of one's temper and speech was a vital aspect of Christian witness and community harmony. The Jewish wisdom tradition, with its emphasis on self-control and the dangers of anger (e.g., [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - Slow to Anger"), [Proverbs 16:32](/proverbs/16-32 "Proverbs 16:32 - Control Your Spirit")), would have resonated deeply with James's audience. James's teaching here is a practical application of biblical wisdom to the daily lives of believers navigating a challenging world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Epistle of James. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **practical faith**, demonstrating that true belief is not merely intellectual assent but is evidenced by righteous conduct and self-control. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **wisdom** ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")), contrasting human impulsive reactions with divine insight. Thirdly, it speaks directly to the theme of **self-control** and the **taming of the tongue** ([James 3:1-12](/james/3-1-12 "James 3:1-12 - Taming the Tongue")), as anger often precedes harmful speech. Finally, it reinforces the broader theme of **God's righteousness** and the call for believers to embody a righteousness that originates from and reflects God Himself, rather than human efforts or flawed impulses, which is a recurring emphasis throughout the book (e.g., [James 2:23](/james/2-23 "James 2:23 - Abraham's Faith and Righteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** From G3709 (orgḗ), denoting desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment. In this context, it refers to human indignation, rage, or passionate anger, often characterized by a settled disposition towards vengeance or a strong desire for retribution. It is a deep-seated emotion, distinct from a momentary outburst, and often leads to destructive actions or words.
* **worketh (Greek, _katergázomai'_):** From G2716 (katergázomai), meaning to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion. James uses a strong, emphatic verb here, conveying the idea of producing, accomplishing, or bringing about a result. The negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_) combined with this verb creates an absolute denial: human wrath definitively does not produce or achieve God's righteousness.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343 (dikaiosýnē), meaning equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification. In this verse, "the righteousness of God" refers to the righteous character, conduct, and acts that God desires and enables in believers. It is the conformity to God's moral standard, whether imputed (justification) or imparted (sanctification), and is distinct from human attempts at self-justification or self-righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the wrath of man":** This phrase identifies the subject of the statement: human anger, rage, or indignation. It refers to anger that originates from our fallen human nature, often fueled by selfishness, pride, impatience, or a desire for personal vindication. It is contrasted with righteous indignation, which is anger against sin that is aligned with God's character.
* **"worketh not":** This is a strong, emphatic negation. The verb "worketh" (katergázomai) implies producing, accomplishing, or bringing about a desired outcome. The addition of "not" (ou) means that human wrath absolutely, definitively, and entirely fails to achieve or contribute to the subsequent concept. It is utterly unproductive in this regard.
* **"the righteousness of God":** This refers to the righteous character and conduct that God requires from humanity and which He Himself provides and enables through the Holy Spirit. It is God's standard of moral perfection and the holy living that flows from a right relationship with Him. Human wrath, being a product of the flesh, cannot produce or promote this divine standard of living.

#### Literary Devices
James 1:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "the wrath of man" with "the righteousness of God." This stark opposition highlights the irreconcilable nature of human sinful anger and divine holiness, emphasizing that one cannot produce the other. The verse also functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise, memorable statement of a general truth, serving as a foundational principle for Christian conduct regarding anger. Furthermore, there is an element of **Cause and Effect** (or rather, a lack thereof), where James asserts that human wrath does *not* cause or effect God's righteousness, thereby dismantling any notion that unbridled anger could be a tool for divine purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 1:20 is a pivotal statement that underscores the profound difference between human efforts and divine standards. It teaches that the righteousness God desires and produces in believers is fundamentally spiritual, flowing from a renewed heart and the work of the Holy Spirit, not from the volatile and self-serving impulses of human anger. This truth resonates with the broader biblical teaching that human attempts to achieve divine purposes through carnal means are always futile and often counterproductive. God's righteousness is characterized by peace, patience, and love, qualities that are antithetical to unbridled human wrath. Therefore, believers are called to cultivate internal dispositions that align with God's character, trusting Him to work out His justice and righteousness in His own way and time.

* [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding")
* [Ephesians 4:26-27](/ephesians/4-26-27 "Ephesians 4:26-27 - Be angry and do not sin")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 1:20 serves as a profound and practical guide for navigating our emotions, particularly anger, in a way that honors God and fosters spiritual growth. It challenges us to examine the source and nature of our anger, discerning whether it stems from righteous indignation against sin (which is rare and always controlled) or from selfish desires, impatience, or a desire for personal vindication. When we allow human wrath to dictate our responses, we not only fail to produce God's righteousness but often actively hinder it, leading to further sin, division, and a tarnished witness. Therefore, true application involves cultivating a spirit of humility, patience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our reactions. Instead of impulsively reacting with anger, we are called to pause, pray, and seek God's wisdom, trusting that His ways are higher than ours and that His righteousness will prevail through means that align with His character. This verse encourages us to surrender our right to anger and vengeance, allowing God to work His perfect will through His perfect methods, which are always rooted in love and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the common triggers for "the wrath of man" in my own life, and how do I typically respond?**
* **In what ways might my anger hinder or contradict the "righteousness of God" in my relationships or circumstances?**
* **How can I practically cultivate a "slow to wrath" disposition, relying on God's Spirit rather than my own impulses?**
* **What specific steps can I take to trust God's justice and timing when faced with situations that provoke anger?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean all anger is sinful?**

Answer: No, this verse specifically addresses "the wrath of man," which refers to anger stemming from our fallen nature, selfishness, or a desire for personal vindication. The Bible acknowledges that there can be a righteous anger, often called "indignation," which is a holy displeasure against sin and injustice, mirroring God's own character (e.g., Jesus overturning tables in the temple in [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). However, even righteous anger must be carefully managed so as not to lead to sin, as warned in [Ephesians 4:26](/ephesians/4-26 "Ephesians 4:26 - Be angry and do not sin"). James 1:20 warns against the kind of human wrath that is unproductive for God's purposes.

**What exactly is "the righteousness of God" in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "the righteousness of God" primarily refers to the righteous character and conduct that God desires and enables in believers. It is the conformity to God's moral standards and the holy living that flows from a genuine relationship with Him. It encompasses both the imputed righteousness we receive by faith in Christ ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")) and the practical righteousness that is produced in us through the process of sanctification by the Holy Spirit ([Philippians 1:11](/philippians/1-11 "Philippians 1:11 - Fruits of Righteousness")). James emphasizes that human wrath, being a product of our sinful nature, cannot produce or promote this divine standard of living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 1:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest illustration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jesus demonstrated righteous indignation against sin and hypocrisy (e.g., [Mark 3:5](/mark/3-5 "Mark 3:5 - Jesus's Anger and Grief")), His life was never characterized by "the wrath of man." He perfectly embodied God's righteousness, not through human fury or self-assertion, but through humble obedience, patient endurance, and sacrificial love. His mission was to bring about the righteousness of God—both by fulfilling all righteousness Himself ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - To Fulfill All Righteousness")) and by providing the means for humanity to be declared righteous before God through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - By One Man's Obedience")). Furthermore, the righteousness that God works in believers is a fruit of the Spirit, which includes "peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), qualities entirely antithetical to human wrath. Thus, James's warning points us to Christ as the source and perfect example of true righteousness, urging us to surrender our fallen impulses and allow the Spirit of Christ to produce God's righteousness within us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Ephesians 4:26

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

James 3:17

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.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Numbers 20:11

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].

Numbers 20:12

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.