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Receiving The Word Of God (James 1:19-20) Having shown God as sinless, giving, powerful, and wise, James shows our responsibility to Him as His creation. |
Receiving The Word Of God (James 1:19-20)
Having shown God as sinless, giving, powerful, and wise, James shows our responsibility to Him as His creation.
- Swift To Hear — Man should be quick to hear the things of God (Matt. 5:6). He has spoken through His Son (Heb. 1:1-3; Matt. 17:5) and subsequently through the revelation of the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:9-13) with words that should be heeded (Heb. 2:1-3, John 12:48; Rom. 2:16; 1:16). Indeed James reminds us we should be quick to hear and do the things of God (James 1:21-25).
- Slow To Speak — While one should be quick to listen to the things of God, he must be slow to speak (particularly concerning the things of God, James 3:1) because of the power of the tongue/speech (James 3:3-6). While it cannot be tamed, it must be controlled (James 3:7-12), this shows true, godly wisdom (James 3:13). The tongue can be used powerfully for good or evil, so be slow to ensure it is used properly in speaking concerning the things of God.
- Slow To Wrath — Used of anger, vengeance, judgment; particularly used of God’s judgment against others which is not ours to make (Rom. 12:19). Considering the context, James is warning us of not growing angry at the reception of God’s word as some did (Matt. 14:3-4; Acts 7:54, 58), such wrath does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:20) for it nether displays the attitude of a Christian nor humbles oneself to God and His Will. It is not our place to argue with God, but to meekly receive His Word (1:21).
