As Christians, a primary goal for which we must be striving is to truly “become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). This involves being acceptable to God and in a right relationship with Him, which is achieved not only through His working in us but also as we “work” and “practice” righteousness ourselves (Acts 10:35; 1 John 3:7). That should be our goal!
However, note carefully what James says. “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” (Jas. 1:19-20). Did you catch that last part, in contrast to our first paragraph? If I am trying (as I should be) to “produce the righteousness of God” in my life, then I must be ever-conscious of the fact that, when I am not “slow to wrath” and I allow my anger to be conceived and to grow, I am not able to meet my goal of the righteousness of God.
“Dear Lord, please help me to control my anger!”