The Anger of Man – James 1:19-21

There is a righteous anger, like when Jesus displayed anger at those who had demeaned the temple of God with their commerce.  The anger of man that James is speaking about is not just or righteous, but rather self-centered.  It comes from a place of self-protection and lack of trust in God.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:19-21, ESV)

Many a relationship has crumbled from the weight of anger and self-justification. Many a nation has gone to war for the same reasons. In the midst of trying circumstances people get desperate to make sure their needs are met and often fail to listen well to what others are saying. Listening is the first art of the saved soul. We have eternal life. All our needs will be met by the living God. We can afford to listen and pay attention rather than jump to conclusions. If we are to speak well we must first listen.

Listening before we speak will often lead to less anger. But we must cultivate slowness to anger as well. Anger makes us feel powerful and often becomes a substitute for trusting God to take care of us. The anger that is directed at whomever is blocking the meeting of our needs (as we perceive it) will never accomplish God’s purposes.

So true believers must put away from their lives all the things that tend to lead to anger as the solution, especially in the midst of trials. Filthiness, or a being controlled by sexual desire, and wickedness, the attempt to accomplish the gaining of wealth or power by wrong means, cannot be the traits of believers. We must be meek, recognizing our Great God is for us and we don’t need to scramble for our own security. He loves us and will care for us. We need simply receive His “implanted” word, His message of truth into our hearts and this will be the thing that saves our souls.