19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20 KJV)
Qualities Needed in Trials
In this part of the chapter we are required to restrain the workings of passion. This lesson we should learn under afflictions; and we shall learn it if we are truly begotten again by the word of truth. An angry and hasty spirit is easily provoked by afflictions, and false ideas take root through the stirrings of our corrupt desires. But the renewing grace of God and the word of the gospel teach us to subdue these: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
This may refer to the word of truth mentioned in the previous verse. So we may observe that it is our duty to hear God’s word and focus on understanding it rather than speaking our own opinions or reacting in anger. Let not errors, such as the false claim that God causes sin, be mentioned hastily or with passion; instead, be ready to hear and reflect on what God’s word teaches.
This may also apply to the afflictions and temptations mentioned earlier in the chapter. It is our duty to understand God’s purposes in afflictions rather than, like David, say in haste, “I am cut off,” or like Jonah in his passion, “I do well to be angry.” Instead of accusing God during trials, we should open our ears and hearts to hear what He says to us.
This may also refer to the disputes among Christians in those times of trial. Whenever disagreements arise among believers, each side should be willing to listen. Many are firm in their opinions because they refuse to hear others. We should be swift to hear reason and truth on all sides, slow to speak anything that would hinder this, and when we do speak, it should not be in wrath. For “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). These words—swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath—may also be applied broadly, since the epistle addresses various disorders among Christians. From them, we can further observe that if we want to control our tongues, we must first control our passions. When Moses’s spirit was provoked, he spoke rashly with his lips (Psalm 106:33). If we would be slow to speak, we must be slow to anger.
A very good reason is given for suppressing anger: “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Men often claim zeal for God in their anger, but God doesn’t need our passions; His cause is better served with meekness than with rage. As Solomon said, “The words of the wise are heard in quiet more than the shout of a ruler of fools” (Ecclesiastes 9:17).
Dr. Manton noted that if we were as swift to hear as we are quick to speak, our meetings would have less wrath and more benefit. When a Manichee shouted at Augustine, “Hear me! Hear me!” Augustine calmly replied, Nec ego te, nec tu me, sed ambo audiamus apostolum—”Neither let me hear you, nor you me, but let us both hear the apostle.”
The worst thing we can bring to a religious debate is anger. However justified it may seem, it is not to be trusted. Wrath is human and stands opposed to God’s righteousness. Those who claim to serve God in anger show they know neither Him nor His ways. This passion must especially be guarded against when we hear the word of God (1 Peter 2:1-2).