James 1:20 net — For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

NET Bible

"For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness."

— James 1:20, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

James 1:20 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

James 1 — Context

17

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.

18

By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

19

Living Out the Message Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

20

For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

21

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

22

But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.

23

For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.

James 1:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 1:20 say?
James 1:20 in the NET Bible reads: “For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
Where is James 1:20 in the Bible?
James 1:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 1, verse 20.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 1:20.
What translation should I read James 1:20 in?
James 1:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 1:20?
James 1:20 reads (NET): “For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2