James 1:19-21 (NKJV)
19 [a]So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and [b]overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
The book of James:
- The author "James" believed to be the half-brother of Jesus Christ.
- Didn't follow Jesus on His time on earth, but only later after His resurrection.
- Was mentioned on Acts 12:17, during Peter's miraculous escape.
- Paul called James one of the pillars of the church (Galatians 2:9).
- The book of James is the first new testament book.
- The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness.
- For James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless (James 2:17).
- In simple terms: It encourages God’s people to act like God’s people.
19. "My dear brothers and sisters" addressed/audience to the believers, if not yet a believer then now is the time to receive the free gift of Salvation, John 3:16-18.
"take note" - to highlight, to keep that you may review it over and over again.
The context is about the pressure of trials that can make a person not to mind counsel and quick to speak angrily!
3 Practical ways to handle trials effectively:
1. "Quick to listen" - listen first!, means that we should always ready, open and quick to listen to instructions, particularly God's instruction or God's word that we may learn and grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- We should ask God for grace, that whenever the word of God is preach, we should listen, understand, and apply it, regardless of the speaker.
- The same also as taking time to read His word everyday with the goal to apply in our day to day Christian walk.
- Not for the sake of listening but without understanding.
- Proverbs 19:20 ESV "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."
2. "Slow to speak" - means that we should think before we speak.
- Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV) Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
- Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
- Proverbs 15:2 (NIV) The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3. "Slow to become angry" - means to have self-control at all times.
- Proverbs 16:32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
- Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
- Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Verse 20, Human anger are often bias, and a result of wordly desires which is contrary to God's will or the Word of God.
However the bible speaks also about the wrath of God, God's holy anger which is base in perfect judgement.
Verse 21, Upon hearing the word of God, the gospel, without delay repent from your sins and accept the gospel whole-heartedly, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved from your sins and His perfect judgement.
