The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God

“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20 ESV)

A few years ago a Christian friend got angry and swore at me over an issue we strongly disagreed about. I was shocked to hear what came out of his mouth and told him so. But he said he was justified because he was responding with “righteous indignation”. But, no matter what he chose to call it, his angry outburst of swearwords did NOT represent the righteousness of God!

Put away anger and obscene talk from your mouth

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Col. 3:8 ESV)

A quick tempered man acts foolishly

“A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” (Prov. 14:17 ESV)

A quick tempered man displays folly

“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” (Prov. 14:29 NIV)

A wise man holds back his temper

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Prov. 29:11 ESV)

Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19 ESV)

Don’t let your anger give opportunity to the devil

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Eph. 4:26-27 ESV)

Make no friendship with a man given to anger

“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” (Prov. 22:24-25 ESV)