Be Quick To Hear

July 13th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

James 1:19-20 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

James’s audience was scattered beyond Palestine due to a severe persecution of Jewish Christians in and around Jerusalem in the first century (1:1; cf. Acts 8:1ff.; 12:1ff.). Both the rich and poor had to leave their homes to find refuge (1:9-11), and James challenged them to find joy in the midst of their God-ordained trials (1:2-4). God was testing the value of their faith for their benefit, not tempting them to anger. After all, God never tempts anyone to sin (1:13). He tests our faith; He never tempts to sin. So, in an effort to bring calm to his brothers in Christ, James, having preached joy in the midst of trials (1:2-4), is now instructing Christians to receive the word of God through him, being “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

Although the mood of the verb “you know” is an imperative in Greek, translated “Know this” in the NIV, ESV, LSB, and NET, the NASB translates it in the indicative mood: “This you know.” Since James was writing to a Jewish audience (1:1) whose Scriptures are replete with teachings about being “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger” (Prov. 10:19; 11:12-13; 17:27-28), James was reminding his audience of things they knew, not giving them new orders.

There can be little doubt James’ audience was angry about being torn from their homes. This is why James first told them to be “quick to hear.” Instead of being swift to grumble about their current trial, as most are, they were to be eager to hear God speak to their predicament. Of course being quick to hear also entails being “slow to speak,” for when one is tuned into listening to God, or anyone for that matter, they are not talking over the person who is speaking. This is of course sound advice for all Christians, then and now, in the midst of a trial—listening to God and not tuning Him out. After all, when we get upset, angry, or confused, we are not often under the Spirit’s control; instead, we are fighting for our rights, demanding answers, and completely oblivious to what God is teaching us. James’ admonition is therefore of great value for us all.

In v. 20 James explains that anger can be sinful. No matter what situation a Christian finds himself, he is to reflect God’s righteousness. This includes justice, mercy, grace, compassion, love—all virtues that reflect the holy character of God. Obviously a believer under the control of selfish anger cannot work any such righteousness. Now in this context James is not speaking of the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ alone—the righteousness Paul writes about in terms of God placing man in a right relationship to Himself (cf. Rom 3:21-22; 2 Cor 5:21). No, James’ context of righteousness concerns Christians, already righteous in Christ, doing what pleases God. Jesus used “righteousness” this way when He called His disciples to exceed the legalistic good works of the religionists (Matt. 5:20; cf. 5:6, 10; 6:33). Simply put, James is exhorting his audience to avoid the angst with which they were struggling; it was a detriment to them. He wanted them instead to rejoice in their trials, knowing that God was maturing their faith through trials. He wanted them to be encouraged, knowing that the trials of God are not temptations to evil but occasions to be reminded of the future crown of life (1:12).

Food For Thought
Being “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger” is a great principle in all our dealings. But James isn’t writing a self-help book; he is instructing us in worship. We can apply it in church, being “quick to hear” God’s word, “slow to speak” when God’s word is taught, and “slow to anger” when we hear something from God’s word that rubs us wrong. Since God is speaking to us in our trials, let us find that joy (1:2) while sitting still listening to Him speak—whether a pastor is teaching us or whether we’re just simply sitting still reading God’s word.