18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
You can expect it: believers in Jesus Christ will "meet trials of various kinds." When we do, we should "count it all joy." Why? Because we know that God tests our faith in order to produce "steadfastness" so as to produce conformity to Christ (vv. 2–4). But to rightly handle trials, we need "wisdom." Therefore, "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (v. 5).
But what means does God most use to communicate his wisdom? "The Word of truth"! God's Word does not just transmit bare information. More than that, it is a tool that God uses to empower us to act on that information; it is "which is able to save your souls" (v. 21). It is a genuine means of grace. Accordingly, God enjoins us to be "quick to hear" his Word. To be slow to hear is sin. But it is also folly. We very much need to hear God's Word.
But obstacles can get in the way of hearing. They can hinder us from profiting from God's Word. And so the Holy Spirit speaking through James quickly adds, be "slow to speak" and "slow to anger." In other words, shut up and listen to God! And calm down and listen to God!
First, shut up and listen to God! Be "slow to speak." It's exceedingly hard to listen if you're doing all the talking. It's also sinful. Proverbs 18:13 says, "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." If that is true in general, it's especially true regarding our listening to God. Maybe you are quick to speak by imagining that certain preconceived notions trump Scripture, so that you're unwilling to let God's Word challenge and inform your framework. Maybe you are quick to speak by thinking about how other people need to heed this Scripture ("Oh, I wish so-and-so was here to hear this sermon. He/she really needs it") instead of applying it to yourself. How do you tend to drown out God's voice by your own speaking? Shut up and listen to God!
Second, calm down and listen to God! Be "slow to anger." Maybe you're mad at others because of their sins. Maybe you're mad at God because of your trials. Maybe you're mad for God and you want to do something in order to promote his Kingdom and righteousness, much like James and John were ready to call down fire from heaven to consume unbelievers (John 9:54). Calm down and listen to God, "for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires," (v. 20). You don't have the power to do what only the Holy Spirit can do. Before you "jump in with all four feet," make sure you get your marching orders straight.
Be quick to listen to God, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
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