James 1:19-20
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about being a good listener; it's about a posture of humility. The original Greek suggests the phrase "know this" might actually be "you know this," implying James is reminding them of a truth they already understand, but perhaps aren't living out. This isn't a new instruction, but a call to remember and embody a fundamental way of approaching God and others: by listening more than speaking, and by restraining reactive anger.
This verse follows James's discussion on the source of good things coming from God and contrasts it with temptations arising from our own desires. James is urging his readers, as God's "firstfruits," to live in a way that reflects this new spiritual birth by being receptive to God's truth and controlling their impulses. What follows will elaborate on the practical outworking of receiving God's word, emphasizing that simply hearing isn't enough; it must lead to action.
In a world that screams for attention, James calls us to a different approach. What does it mean to be 'quick to hear' in a practical sense?
James kicks off this section with a powerful directive: be 'quick to hear.' This isn't just about passively receiving information. It’s about actively and eagerly listening, especially to God's word and to others.
An Open Ear
Think about it – we have two ears and only one mouth for a reason! This proverb, echoed by ancient thinkers, highlights the importance of listening more than speaking. It's about a posture of humility, a willingness to learn, and a readiness to understand before we form our own opinions or jump into the conversation.
Hearing God's Voice
While this applies to our interactions with people, the primary context here, as scholars note, is listening to God's truth. It’s about receiving the 'ingrafted word' with an open heart, ready to let it shape us, rather than arguing with it or twisting it to fit our own agenda.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about James 1:19-20 is available in the Sola app.
Words have power – to build up or to tear down. James offers a crucial balance to 'quick to hear.' What does it mean to be 'slow to speak'?
Following the call to listen comes the call to be 'slow to speak.' This isn't about remaining silent forever, but about exercising thoughtful restraint.
Measured Words
Our words should not be hasty or reactive. The ancient wisdom cited in commentaries often contrasts excessive talking with wise action, suggesting that fewer, well-considered words are far more valuable than a flood of speech. This deliberate pace guards against folly and sin.
Speaking from Peace
Being slow to speak is closely linked to the next point: being slow to anger. Hasty words often fuel conflict, while measured speech can de-escalate situations and promote understanding. It’s about choosing our words carefully, ensuring they are helpful and timely, rather than impulsive.
Anger can erupt quickly, often fueled by our words. James presents a counter-cultural call to patience. Why is being 'slow to anger' so vital?
The final directive in this powerful trio is to be 'slow to anger.' This is a call to emotional self-control, particularly in response to what we hear or in the heat of disagreement.
The Danger of Rashness
Commentaries highlight that anger, especially sinful or passionate anger, is destructive. It clouds judgment, damages relationships, and hinders our ability to truly grasp truth. The proverb comparing someone who rules their spirit to one who conquers a city speaks volumes about the immense strength required and the profound victory achieved in mastering one's temper.
A Foundation for Wisdom
Being slow to anger is essential for receiving God's word and for living out our faith. When we react with anger instead of patience, we create division and chaos, preventing the peaceable fruit of righteousness. This slowness isn't about suppressing emotions entirely, but about ensuring our emotions don't control our actions or our reception of truth.
Understand the original words
orgē · Greek Noun
A deep-seated, often burning resentment or hostility. In a spiritual context, it frequently refers to human rage that arises from pride, lack of self-control, or sinful reactions, which opposes God's character.
dikaiosynēn · Greek Noun
The quality of being conformable to God’s standard, will, and law. It represents a state of being morally right and living in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God.
This proverb echoes James's sentiment by stating that the one who restrains their words possesses knowledge and the one with a cool spirit is a person of understanding, directly linking restraint in speech with wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 5:2This passage warns against being rash with one's words and hasty in uttering anything before God, which complements James's instruction to be slow to speak and quick to hear.
Luke 10:39This verse, describing Mary sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to his word, beautifully illustrates the 'quick to hear' aspect that James emphasizes, showing a receptive heart toward divine teaching.
Proverbs 15:18This verse states that a hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger calms disputes, directly supporting James's counsel to be slow to anger.
Colossians 3:12Paul urges believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, which aligns with James's call to be slow to anger and quick to listen, forming the inner disposition for effective communication.
ellicottJames 1:19: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"
(19) We come now to the third subdivision of the chapter. By reason of the Divine benevolence, the Apostle urges his readers—(1) to meekness, (2) self-knowledge, (3) practical religion. Wherefore, my beloved brethen.—There appears to be some small error in the MSS. here, but the alteration is only just worth mentioning: ye know my brethren beloved, seems the correct version, the very abru…
vincentJames 1:19: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"
WhereforeThe A. V. follows the reading ὥστε. But the correct reading is ἴστε, ye know, and so Rev. Others render it as imperative, know ye, as calling attention to what follows.
This verse isn't just about being a good listener; it's about a posture of humility. The original Greek suggests the phrase "know this" might actually be "you know this," implying James is reminding them of a truth they already understand, but perhaps aren't living out. This isn't a new instruction, but a call to remember and embody a fundamental way of approaching God and others: by listening more than speaking, and by restraining reactive anger.
This verse follows James's discussion on the source of good things coming from God and contrasts it with temptations arising from our own desires. James is urging his readers, as God's "firstfruits," to live in a way that reflects this new spiritual birth by being receptive to God's truth and controlling their impulses. What follows will elaborate on the practical outworking of receiving God's word, emphasizing that simply hearing isn't enough; it must lead to action.
This verse follows James's discussion on the source of good things coming from God and contrasts it with temptations arising from our own desires. James is urging his readers, as God's "firstfruits," to live in a way that reflects this new spiritual birth by being receptive to God's truth and controlling their impulses. What follows will elaborate on the practical outworking of receiving God's word, emphasizing that simply hearing isn't enough; it must lead to action.
"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." — This verse isn't just about being a good listener; it's about a posture of humility. The original Greek suggests the phrase "know this" might actually be "you know this," implying James is reminding…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
