“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
Being a doer of God’s word is imperative.
To become and remain a doer of the word of truth does not happen by accident.
James 1:19-25 identifies four essentials of an honest and good heart. The first of these is a ready mind; it has three vital characteristics:
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It is quick to hear what God says in His word. Like a mother attuned to her tiny baby’s first whimper, a doer of God word keenly desires to hear and learn God’s will. “Speak for Your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10) is a trait of one who is quick to hear.
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It is slow to speak. Frequently God’s word runs contrary to conventional wisdom and your opinion of what is best and wisest. Reacting with a hasty “Behold I thought…” (2 Kings 5:11) is concrete proof of an unready mind. Like God Himself, His word is eternal; therefore, arguing with it is utter folly.
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It is slow to anger. The truth, especially when it addresses your sin and guilt, is unpleasant. Its convicting power cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37). Esteeming your pride over the truth (and thus becoming offended and hostile instead of sorrowful and penitent) will not get you off the broad way which leads to destruction. Human wrath is heading in the opposite direction of God’s righteousness.
