James 1:19-21

January 30, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: quick, slow, anger, and humility.

Passage for the day: James 1:19-21 (NASB)

19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.


Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

What does it mean to be quick to hear and slow to speak?


Is your first response in a tense situation to be angry or to listen? Why?


What are we commanded to do in verse 21? How do we obey this command?


What is the word implanted in you? What is it able to do?


Chew on this:

It is interesting that James begins this section by telling us that we should already know what he is about to write – the discipline of a controlled tongue. Normally when we see a command to be quick to do something, we think of taking action. Here we are told to not act in anger, but to actively listen. We are told to be slow to anger, but ready to hear. This is a foreign concept for us outside of the grace of God! How many of us actually listen? Are we characterized by a quickness to show love or by a readiness to pour out anger? Contrary to some who would defend anger as the last resort for the Christian under trial, James declared they are simply wrong. In Paul’s writings, we see this same response for the Christian - “in your anger do not sin,” “do not let the sun go down on your anger,” and to rid yourself of anger (Eph 4:26; cf. Col 3:8). This is all comparable to being slow to anger. Anger is dangerous even when expressed in speech. Angry speech is part of the temptation to seek vengeance and was of deep concern to both James and Paul (Rom. 12:9-21). Whether in relationship with God or in relationship with others, anger must be ruled out. Human anger will injure the merciful peacemaking required for the relationships among fellow believers and those who are unbelievers. How can the world know that we are the disciples of Christ, when we are showing anger toward one another? Love is one of the defining characteristics for the disciple of Christ and we should love each other as Christ loved us (John 13:33-35)!

James does not just stop with anger, but commands us to rid ourselves of anything that does not please God. James uses the metaphor of taking off and putting away soiled clothes. However, we cannot do this on our own power. We must receive the Word of God that has been implanted in our hearts. It has the power to rescue your soul! God has already put His Word in your heart if you are a Christian, but you must still receive it with meekness and gentleness – the opposite of anger. This means that you and I must allow the word to become deeply rooted in our hearts, so that we are able to live it out in our daily responses to life’s challenges. Rather than speaking out in anger, the wise believer listens to the Lord speak through His Word. When we are listening to God’s voice, we will be able to respond correctly in any situation.


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen