06/12/2026
Be Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Wrath
By: Daniel Denham
James, the brother of Jesus after the flesh, gave very good advice which is useful in the various endeavors and relationships we sustain in life. Further, it is inspired advice from God Himself! James by inspiration commands, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). It has been said that God put the tongue in such a place in the human body so that it can be boxed up with our lips, cheeks, and teeth, when it is prone to utter things that are hurtful, embarrassing, evil, or foolish.
Being “swift to hear” entails a determination to think before we speak, to weigh the evidence, to hear the other person out fairly, and to reflect as to the proper answer or response, if any is called for. The need to be “slow to speak” draws out the thought of the foregoing to emphasize the need for a thoroughly measured answer or response. It cautions us to put a rein upon our mouth. “To put our brain in gear, before putting our mouth in motion,” as the saying goes. The exhortation to be “slow to wrath” brings the discussion into the practical realm of conduct. We should not be prone to “fly off the handle,” “to over-react,” or “to leap to conclusions” which often produces unbridled anger.
James, also by inspiration, explains why these commands are important. He says: “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). It is not conducive to one’s obeying God and doing what is right for one to give into such wrath. This anger produces ultimately only misery and suffering for others as well as for us. If one seeks to be a servant of the Lord, then he or she needs to heed this precious advice of James. It is God’s advice for better relationships with others and peace in a world filled otherwise with strife.
