James 1:20
James 1:20 in Multiple Translations
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
For the righteousness of God does not come about by the wrath of man.
because human anger doesn't reflect the good character of God.
For the wrath of man doeth not accomplish the righteousnesse of God.
for the wrath of a man the righteousness of God doth not work;
for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.
because when any one of you gets angry, you will not be doing the righteous things that God wants you to do.
If you are angry, you can’t do the good things that God wants you to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — James 1:20
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James 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — James 1:20
Study Notes — James 1:20
- Context
- Cross References
- James 1:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on James 1:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 1:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 1:20
- Trapp's Commentary on James 1:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on James 1:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 1:20
- Cambridge Bible on James 1:20
- Barnes' Notes on James 1:20
- Whedon's Commentary on James 1:20
- Sermons on James 1:20
Context — Hearing and Doing
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. 22Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 2:24–25 | And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. |
| 2 | Ephesians 4:26 | “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, |
| 3 | James 3:17–18 | But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 4 | Numbers 20:11–12 | Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” |
James 1:20 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we get angry, it doesn't usually lead to doing what is right in God's eyes. Instead, our anger often comes from selfishness and a lack of self-control. To live in a way that honors God, we need to learn to control our anger and respond to situations in a more thoughtful and humble way (Proverbs 14:29). By doing so, we can become more like Jesus and live out our faith in a way that brings joy and peace to those around us (Galatians 5:22-23).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the problem with human anger according to James 1:20?
Human anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires, as it is often driven by selfishness and a lack of self-control, rather than a desire to honor God (Proverbs 14:29, Ephesians 4:26).
How does this verse relate to the command to be slow to anger in James 1:19?
Being slow to anger is crucial because human anger often leads to unrighteous behavior, whereas God desires righteousness, as seen in James 1:20, and being slow to anger helps us to respond in a more godly manner (Proverbs 15:1).
What is the alternative to human anger that James is advocating for?
Instead of relying on human anger, James encourages believers to humbly accept the word of God planted in them, which can save their souls (James 1:21), and to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22, Matthew 7:24-27).
How can I know if my anger is righteous or unrighteous?
Righteous anger is motivated by a desire to honor God and uphold what is right, whereas unrighteous anger is often driven by personal desires and a lack of self-control (Matthew 5:21-22, Ephesians 4:31-32).
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I tend to become angry, and how can I respond in a more godly way?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and self-control, so that I am slow to anger and quick to listen?
- What does it mean for me to 'get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil' in my life, and how can I practically apply James 1:21 to my daily life?
- In what ways can I be a 'doer of the word' and not just a 'hearer only', especially in situations where I am tempted to become angry?
Gill's Exposition on James 1:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 1:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 1:20
Trapp's Commentary on James 1:20
Ellicott's Commentary on James 1:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 1:20
Cambridge Bible on James 1:20
Barnes' Notes on James 1:20
Whedon's Commentary on James 1:20
Sermons on James 1:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Submitting to God - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, Alistair Begg focuses on the importance of submitting to God. He emphasizes that true submission comes from a humble heart and involves resisting the devil. Begg al |
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Psalm 119 by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding solace and guidance in the Word of God. He encourages listeners to search the scriptures until they find the messa |
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Marriage: Anger, the Great Destroyer by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the issues of anger, highlighting how it can be a destructive force in our lives, fueled by selfishness, jealousy, pride, addiction, and guilt. The speaker em |
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The Deep Dealings of God Part 28 - Let Us Go on Unto Perfection - Gods Love by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to return to Jesus amidst the crises affecting both the church and the family unit. He highlights that the root of these cr |
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Anger, Danger, Dreams and Destiny by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman explores the themes of anger, danger, dreams, and destiny in his sermon, drawing from Genesis 34-36. He emphasizes the destructive nature of unchecked anger, urging l |
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Revivals That Stay by E.M. Bounds | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'machomai,' which signifies intense conflict, whether physical or non-physical, often leading to bitter disputes. This word is used in the B |
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A Sign of What's Inside by Henry Drummond | Henry Drummond emphasizes the destructive nature of human wrath, explaining how it does not align with the righteousness of God. He delves into the deeper implications of temper, h |






