Meaning, commentary and cross references
James 1:19
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
NIV · New International Version
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
WEB · World English Bible
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
What does James 1:19 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren,.... Since the Gospel, the word of truth, is the means and instrument which God makes use of in regeneration, and in forming people for himself: let every man be swift to hear; not anything; not idle and unprofitable talk, or filthy and corrupt communication; but wholesome advice, good instructions, and the gracious experiences of the saints, and, above all, the word of God; to the hearing of which men should fly, as doves to their windows; should make haste, and be early in their attendance on it, as well, as constant; and receive it with all readiness, and with a sort of greediness of mind, that their souls may be profited, and God may be glorified: the…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on James 1:19–27
For thus the connection stands - An angry and hasty spirit is soon provoked to ill things by afflictions, and errors and ill opinions become prevalent through the workings of our own vile and vain affections; but the renewing grace of God and the word of the gospel teach us to subdue these: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, Jam 1:19. This may refer, 1. To the word of truth spoken of in the verse foregoing. And so we may observe, It is our duty rather to hear God's word, and apply our minds to understand it, than to speak according to our own fancies or the opinions of men, and to run into heat and passion thereupon.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on James 1:19–21
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 19 Itaque, fratres mei dilecti, sit omnis homo celer ad audiendum, tardus autem ad loquendum, tardus ad iram: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 20 Ira enim hominus justitiam Dei non operatur. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 21 Quapropter deposita omni inmunditie, et redundantia malitiae, cum mansuetudine suscipite insitum sermonem qui potest servare animas vestras. 19 Let every man. Were this a general sentence, the inference would be farfetched; but…
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: James 1:16–22 (WEB)
16Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow. 18Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 19So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. 21Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.
Cross references
- Proverbs 17:27
He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
- Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
- Proverbs 14:29
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
- Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
- Proverbs 18:13
He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
- Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,
- Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
- Proverbs 16:32
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.