James 1:19-22 Series

Last Chapter we learned that our faith will be tested through trials that God allows in our lives to make us strong in our faith—lacking nothing in this life. James taught us that we can come to God in faith when we lack the wisdom needed as we face such things. And God promises to impart his wisdom upon us. And this is an amazing gift and promise because God is not limited in His wisdom. He is sovereign and he sees our problems from every angle and he knows how to handle it. James reminds us to be careful because, in these tests, there is the threat of temptation that will lure and entice us into sin. So we are to be careful to not blame God for our struggles rather we remember the word of truth. The word of truth is James' way of describing the Gospel—the good gift of God's grace and mercy that comes from above in Christ. Instead of giving in to temptation. Verse 18 says that God—by His own will—brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should resist temptation and bear fruit for God. This leads us perfectly into what James will tell us next starting in verse 19.

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 ESV)

It's important to remember James’ audience. He is writing the twelve tribes in the dispersion. These are first-century Jewish Christians who were persecuted in Jerusalem after the death of Stephen. These Christians were forced out of Jerusalem into communities around the Mediterranean for their faith in Jesus. These Christians would not find too much relief anywhere they went. Many were refused protection by those in Jewish communities in fear of persecution and others were exploited and enslaved by those in Gentile communities.

It’s hard to imagine what the first-century church was going through but how easy it must have been to react in frustration and anger to their circumstances. So James lovingly asks his beloved brothers to take to heart what he is about to say: "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 ESV)

What these Christians needed is the same thing we need. We need to be quick to hear from God and be slow to speak and slow to anger. Perhaps this is why God gave us two ears and one mouth. Maybe we should be listening twice as much as we talk. And he tells us why, because quick speech and anger does not produce the righteousness of God. It's not going to solve anything. I am so guilty of this. Sometimes I think I must love the taste of my shoes because I was always sticking my foot in my mouth. My wife will tell you that my natural tendency is to be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. This often leads me to jump to conclusions and react in ways that are not helpful. As I journaled through the passage I wrote this;

"Jesus,  Help me be quick to hear from you and slow to listen to myself and other sources that cause me to be anxious, speak quickly, and become angry. Forgive me of my sin and pride that leads me to jump to conclusions before consulting you and forgive me for the filthy and rampant wickedness that has come out of my mouth. Help me by your Spirit to repent and put it away. Implant your Word deep in my heart and save me from myself, my fear, my worry, my doubt, and my unbelief. These things have caused me to speak too quickly and become angry. I know it has been the source of worry and insecurity for my wife, my kids, my leaders, and my staff. It will never produce the righteousness that you desire. Jesus, please give me the strength to hold my tongue. Help me to seek the wisdom from the word you implant in my heart so that my speech will be edifying.  Jesus, you are the word who became flesh. It is you that I find my hope. It is in your Holy word I find the truth that is able to save my soul. Thank you for your word and thank you for being willing to give it so graciously. It is in the anger quenching, truth giving, and soul-saving name of Jesus. Amen"

Because of our sin, it is our natural tendency with respect to God's word to be slow to hear and quick to speak.