Quick to hear, slow to speak

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ²¹ Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. ²⁵ But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James 1:19–27

Introduction

From the checkout-line magazine rack to radio talk shows to the comments section of that last controversial blog and hard-hitting political opinion television, our culture is saturated and obsessed with expressing the latest gripe. Everyone has an argumentative inner lawyer seated on the throne of their hearts. Whether the angry words are spoken, or simmer under the surface of a calm countenance, we all have fallen into the trap of a loudmouthed rant. James has a good word for us: listen up, quiet down, cool your jets, bite your tongue, and walk the talk. Otherwise, your religion is worthless.

Observation

James instructed Christians how to listen, speak, express anger constructively, to be pure and undefiled, and to practice healthy self-examination, in order to avoid self- deception. Clearly, James’ blunt speech was not an effort to people-please. Though James may seem stern, he spoke the truth in love, a love that was no doubt stoked by having a front row seat to Jesus’ ministry of love and service to others. This great love for Jesus and the truth compelled James to have great passion for correcting self-consumed believers who were harsh in speech, and turning them away from self and toward loving service of their neighbor.

• What happens when we don’t listen well to others, comment too swiftly, or are quick to become angry?
• What are we asked to accept from God that helps us get rid of evil?
• How do we deceive ourselves as Christians?
• What “religion” is pure and faultless to God?

Interpretation

James instructs us on how to avoid turning trials into temptations with his wisdom regarding speech and obedience. If we allow our anger to control us, we will not truly listen to people, and we will sin in our anger. As Proverbs 15:1 also tells us, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

As Christians, if we say we accept God’s Word, that means we also need to live by it. Otherwise, we become hypocrites. If we only listen to or read his Word but don’t meditate on it and allow it to change us, James says our “religion is worthless.” God’s Word should affect all areas of our lives, if we are willing to humbly accept it.

• What prevents you from being able to see God’s Word clearly? What phrases in this passage reflect a sinful, prideful heart?
• What does it mean to be a doer of the word and not only a hearer? How does the picture in v. 23–24 illustrate this?
• What is the law of liberty? What gives freedom? What keeps us from freedom?
• How is bridling our tongue and deceiving our heart connected?
• What does it mean to “keep oneself from being polluted by the world”?

Application

• James’ words are probably convicting to each of us in some way. He is also encouraging us as he gives solutions, if we are willing to use them. Getting rid of filth and wickedness is much like taking muddy, dirty clothes off and replacing them with clean ones. Read 1 Corinthians 6:10–11. Who washes us?
• Do you know how to listen well or are you thinking about how you want to respond even before the person has finished speaking? Do you ask the Holy Spirit to give you words to speak, or do you just give your opinion quickly? According to this passage, what could you do differently?
• When you are angry, do you make sure the person knows by responding in anger? How could you practice self-control with anger?
• When you look at Scripture, do you truly let it examine your heart and actions before a holy God? Are you afraid? Are you stubborn? Read Galatians 5:1.
• How does repentance begin the process of the law giving you freedom?
• What are some other examples of “pure and faultless” religion?

For Further Study 


Read James 3 and look through Proverbs (10:19; 15:1; 15:3, etc.) to study the “tongue” and its effects. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of any sin in this area.

Pray for your heart to be teachable. Get a pen and paper, and sit down with someone that you trust who will be honest with you. Read this section of Scripture together, and ask them to give you feedback on ways you can grow in this area without arguing or defending. Pray continually for God to show you specifically when you are tempted to sin in the “old ways” and ask for strength to change.

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