James 1:19

Wherefore. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “know ye” or “ye know.” With either reading this verse presents the conclusion that since God is the source of good and tempts no man, and since He has begotten each Christian and conferred on him the honor of being a kind of first fruits, the Christian ought to put into practice those principles of the gospel that he has learned.

Beloved brethren. See on v. 2.

Swift to hear. Though church members have already been born again by the Word (see v. 18), this does not excuse them from continuing to listen to the “word.” Rather, they should hear it with more attention and earnestness, even as the Lord said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8; 14:35; etc.). Paul urges church members continually to increase “in the knowledge of God” (see on Col. 1:10; see 2 Peter 1:5). Though this is evidently the primary intent of the phrase, its meaning certainly includes also the general suggestion that men should be more ready to hear than to speak.

Slow to speak. In view of the repeated references to unbridled tongues found in this epistle (chs. 1:26; 3:1-18; 4:11), it is apparent that James often encountered the problem of hasty speech. This evil is mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures (see Prov. 10:19; 17:27, 28; Eccl. 5:2). The emphasis is on being slow to begin speaking, not on speaking slowly.

Slow to wrath. Above all others, a Christian should be able to restrain his temper (see Job 5:2; Prov. 15:18; 16:32; 19:19; 22:24; 25:28; 27:3; Rom. 12:18). The three admonitions in this verse are in the light of the privilege set forth in James 1:18. For example, those who fulfill the will of God in their lives will be known for their eagerness to learn continually of truth, for their self-control in not prematurely urging the truth on others, and for their winsomeness in studying with those who disagree.