James 1:19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;”

 

The subject of the lesson is, “ The Word of Truth ”, as found in verse 18 . Here James is indicating attitudes of conformance. In order to receive with meekness the implanted word, we must:

 I. Be Swift to Hear.

Remember that the subject is the word of truth. We must always remember that faith comes from hearing, so, increased faith comes from increased hearing of the word. The more you work with the inspired word of God, the greater your faith; the greater your faith, the greater your fruit on behalf of God.

 II. Slow to Speak.

This is not describing the speed in which you speak. It is a direct reflection on the damage you can cause to the true message of the word of truth, by speaking of that which you do not understand. The concept of slow speech as directed by James is that by which you make sure of the accuracy of your words as compared to the truth of the Gospel.

 III. Slow to Wrath.

Anger and wrath have no place in the word of truth. This is an emotion that is detrimental to the word of truth. A true Christian cannot accurately represent the righteousness of God in anger, note the words of Paul:

2 Timothy 2:24-25 “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,”

 

They say that a picture speaks a thousand words, so think of this illustration before you work with the word of truth!