Produce Righteousness

James 1:19-20

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Reflections

Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure often triggered by conflict, injustice, force, or principles we disagree with. It’s a natural—often automatic—response to pain in one form or another. Whether it stems from minor annoyances, pride, deep differences, contention, or a desire for vindication, the root can be complex. With so many causes, it’s crucial that we place a guard around our responses.

Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see examples and instructions about anger:

• Anger gone wrong: Cain’s jealousy (Genesis 4), Ahab’s manipulation (1 Kings 21)
• Commands for control: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19), “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1), and others (Proverbs 16:32, Ephesians 4:31, Romans 12:19)
• Righteous anger: God’s own anger at injustice and idolatry (Exodus 32, 2 Kings 17, Psalm 103:8), reminding us that not all anger is sinful (Ephesians 4:26).

Anger becomes a spiritual danger when it is allowed to rule us. We live in a broken world, and we are broken people with selfish tendencies. We often fight for our own rights—or even the rights of others—but are we doing so with our eyes fixed on the holiness of God? Have we become so horizontally focused that we forget the vertical standard He calls us to?

Anger is a volatile enemy for anyone who seeks to walk in righteousness and wisdom (Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 14:17, 29; 19:11; 22:24; 29:11, 22; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Colossians 3:8; Matthew 5:22; James 1:20).

The key is to reflect the righteousness of God.

In Genesis 4, God confronted Cain in his anger. Cain was frustrated that his offering wasn’t accepted, and instead of humbling himself, he seethed in pride and resentment. God warned him directly:

• “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?” (v. 6)
• “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.” (v. 7a)
• “Its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (v. 7b)

God saw Cain’s motives. Cain didn’t take responsibility—he allowed anger to fester until it led to sin.

Search your heart. What’s driving your anger? Is it pride? Hurt? Injustice? Fear? Disappointment?

Unchecked anger opens the door to sin. But by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to rule over it, not be ruled by it.

Have you examined the motivation behind your anger? Is it righteous—or is it ruling you?

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I haven’t always placed a guard over the emotion of anger in my life. I ask You to reveal the root—whether it’s pride, hurt, fear, or something hidden. Search my heart and show me what needs to change. Help me to surrender my anger to You and to walk in the fruit of righteousness. Teach me to respond with wisdom, gentleness, and self-control, so that my life reflects Your holiness. Amen.