[20] For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God

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thyrodandstaff,

[20] For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.

What is the Catholic understanding for this verse from the Epistle of James?
If the Church teaches there is righteous anger why this verse?
 
To begin with, you should never take single lines of Scripture to discuss. We look at Scripture in context. For this verse:
Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21
It is clear (to me) that James is addressing the way one should conduct themselves in the world. I don’t think James is arguing against righteous zeal, however he is asking us to temper it with the understanding of God’s word.

For example, to courageously stand in the cold in Washington at the March for Life and to challenge the status quo that funds abortion clinics (“righteous anger”) would be acceptable but to take the life of an abortion provider (“murder”) would not.

Is that what you were asking?
 
So the “anger of man” refers to an unrighteous type of anger, arising from concupiscent man. Or in the second translation, “wrath” refers to an unrighteous wrath. A" wrath of man."

Is pointing out a seeming contradiction in Scripture disrespectful? I am sorry if I did that.
I guess it is the way my mind works when seeking a deeper understanding. I keep looking at the verse and this is what I kept asking even though I knew I shouldn’t think that. Then after the response I realized the other way of reading it. Thanks!
 
thyrodandstaff said:
Is pointing out a seeming contradiction in Scripture disrespectful? I am sorry if I did that.
Click to expand...
Not in the least and no apology is necessary. We are all on a journey to salvation and reading, questioning, discussing and learning are how we grow closer to God.

Welcome to the forums. Stick around. Read. Ask questions. I have learned and grown more since finding these forums than I could have imagined.
 
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