Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Wrath (Part 3)

The word “wherefore” with which James 1:19 begins indicates that the instructions of this verse are connected to and flow out from some truth in the previous paragraph (verses 12-18). This connection is with the truth of verse 14 that the cause of sinful temptation in our lives is the selfish desires of our own corrupt hearts. The principle of selfishness is a natural characteristic of our hearts; and that principle of selfishness often corrupts our thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions. This is especially true in our relationships with others. Thus the three-fold exhortation of verse 19 is delivered in quick succession in order to reveal our need to deny our selves and our selfishness in our relationship with others.

Grammatically, James 1:19 begins with a loving address from a pastor's heart -- “Wherefore, my beloved brethren.” James employed this loving address both to obtain the attention of his readers for his exhortation and to open the hearts of his readers unto his exhortation. Thereby he expressed his pastoral love for them as brethren in Christ and his pastoral burden for them concerning their growth in righteousness. Then verse 19 continues with a three-fold exhortation for right relations -- “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Finally, verse 20 concludes with a Biblical explanation concerning selfish wrath -- “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” In this message we shall focus our attention upon the three-fold exhortation for right relations.

1. Be Swift to Hear.

2. Be Slow to Speak.

3. Be Slow to Wrath.