Donna Williams Supporter

Dear Anonymous, in verses 19-21 of chapter one in the epistle of James, we are being instructed in the right way to control our emotions. 

He, through the Holy Spirit, is teaching us to be swift or quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. In other words, do not be rash or hasty with our words when we are angry.

He is speaking to people who have experienced the new birth and are new creations in Christ Jesus. However, we must learn how to handle our emotions through the power of the Spirit, so that we will not sin with our mouths.

It is evident in the scripture that our wrath does not produce the righteousness of God. 

Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Matthew 12:34-35 reads as follows: "O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things."

It is not wise to say what's in our heart while we are angry. We are to live under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. It is through Him that we can live a godly life.

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Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

There are 3 cross-references in Proverbs that are relevant to being "slow to speak." One is in Proverbs 10, another in Proverbs 17, and the third in Proverbs 18. They are: 

(1) Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." (Solomon) When you talk too much, you're going to sin with your mouth; it's inevitable. 

Psalm 39:1 says:

"A Psalm of David,
I said, 'I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence.'"

Also, James himself says in the same chapter as the question comes from, in James 1:26, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."

(2) Proverbs 17:27 where Solomon says, "Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, ['The participle חוֹשֵׂךְ (khosekh) means "withholds; restrains; refrains; spares; holds in check," etc. One who has knowledge speaks carefully.' --bible.org] and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." 

And then Proverbs 17:28 goes on to say: "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent." --"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” --Attributed to Abraham Lincoln

(3) Proverbs 18:13 says, "If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame." (also Solomon) -- "Poor listening and premature answering indicate that the person has a low regard for what the other is saying, or that he is too absorbed in his own ideas. The Mishnah lists this as the second characteristic of the uncultured person (m. Avot 5:7)." classic.net.bible.org

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Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean to be "slow to speak" in James 1:19?
James 1:19 - ASV: 19 Ye know [this], my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

Being "slow to speak" in James 1:19 means thinking carefully before speaking, being unhurried in responding, choosing words wisely, and prioritising listening to understand others and God, thereby preventing rash, angry, or careless words and promoting godly communication. It involves deliberating, considering all facts, and asking if your speech is necessary, helpful, and loving, rather than just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. 

Aspects of being slow to speak:

1: Deliberate thought: Taking time to process information and formulate a thoughtful response, instead of reacting impulsively.

2: Wise speech: Ensuring your words are purposeful, measured, and constructive, reflecting God's glory.

3: Listening before speaking: Actively hearing others' perspectives to gain understanding and avoid misunderstandings, which naturally slows speech.

4: Controlling anger: Slowing speech helps prevent anger from leading to hurtful or divisive words, as anger and hasty speech often go hand-in-hand.

5: To be "slow to speak" means to exercise self-control and deliberate thoughtfulness before responding, rather than reacting impulsively or hastily.

6: The Power of the Tongue: This verse introduces a central theme in the Book of James (developed further in Chapter 3): the power of speech to either build up or destroy, and the necessity of "bridling" the tongue as a mark of true spiritual maturity. 

If we are experiencing trials of our faith right now or not, we must be "doers of the word." (James 1:19-25) We need to be "swift about hearing" God's word and be obedient doers of it. (John 8:47) On the other hand, let us be "slow about speaking," carefully weighing our words. (Proverbs 15:28; 16:23) James may be urging us not to be quick to say that our trials originate with God. We are also counselled to be "slow about wrath; for man's wrath does not work out God's righteousness." If angered by what someone says, let us 'slow down' to avoid a vindictive reply. (Ephesians 4:26, 27) A wrathful spirit that may cause us problems and become a trial for others cannot produce what faith in our righteous God requires of us. Besides, if we are "abundant in discernment," we will be "slow to anger," and our friends will be drawn to us.—Proverbs 14:29.

And when we are quick to listen and slow to speak, we will guard ourselves against becoming quick to anger. Being slow to speak and quick to listen will help us gain the other person's perspective, understand what they are thinking and feeling, and give us the time we need to calm down and not become easily angered.

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