The book of James is one of the most practical books of the New Testament. Though he does treat such profound matters as the perfection of faith by works (2:14-26), James especially addresses practical matters of the faith. Topics such as enduring trials (1:1-6), living the Christian life without partiality (2:1-13), and controlling the tongue (3:1-10) are a few examples.
The practical nature of James is also demonstrated in its similarities to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly Proverbs. In fact, James has been called “the Proverbs of the New Testament.” It has been suggested that no less than 40 of the 108 verses of James have literary parallels in the wisdom literature. Some of the more striking include finding wisdom (1:5; cf. Pro. 2:6), the temporary nature of wealth (1:10f; cf. Pro. 23:5; 7:24), controlling anger (1:19f; cf. Pro. 14:29), the destructive nature of the tongue (3:5f; cf. Pro. 16:27; 18.21), partiality (2:1, 9; cf. Pro. 24:23), and hiding or covering sin (5:20; cf. Pro. 10:12). Parallels between James and Jesus’ sermon on the mount also demonstrate the practical nature of James. A portion of these parallels are the poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3; Jas. 1:9; 2:5), they that mourn (Matt. 5:4; Jas. 4:9), the merciful (Matt. 5:7; Jas. 2:13; cf. 3:17), the pure in heart (Matt. 5:8; Jas. 4.8), peacemakers (Matt. 5:9; Jas. 3.18), suffering for righteousness (Matt. 5:11-12; Jas. 1:2; cf. 5:10-11), angry without a cause (Matt. 5:22; Jas. 1.20), treasures on earth (Matt. 6:19; Jas. 5:2-3), asking and receiving (Matt. 7:8; Jas. 4:3), and the wisdom of doing (Matt. 7:21-26; Jas. 1:22; 2:14). The book of James is certainly a book worthy of diligent study and active application.
One of the more practical matters addressed by James is the hearing of God’s Word, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God”(1:19-20).
A proper understanding of this admonition requires an examination of the context. In the first chapter, James instructs us regarding proper attitudes. In verses 2-12, he addresses the proper attitude toward trials; in verses 13-17, he notes the proper perspective of temptations; in verses 19-25, James instructs us regarding the proper attitude toward God’s Word. Our attitude toward the Word of God is first to “hear” it (19-21) and second to “do it” (22-25). With regard to our hearing, James draws two distinct contrasts: swift in contrast to slow, and hearing (which results in working!) in contrast to speaking and anger.
We are to be swift to hear God’s Word. The word translated swift is found only here in the New Testament and simply means “quick, fleet, speedy” (Thayer). As used by James, it has to do with our mindset toward the truth. We are not to be slow in hearing God’s Word but slow in speaking and wrath when we hear it. The term slow is found in only two verses of the New Testament. Here and in Luke 24:25, where Jesus declares, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” This statement of Jesus is directed at two of His disciples who, because of their own expectations, were “slow to apprehend” the reality of His resurrection and the true nature of His Messiahship. When we approach the Word of God, we should set aside preconceived ideas and our own will and “with all readiness of mind” (Acts 17:11) be quick to hear (and do) the truths discovered therein.
Part of being swift to hear is being slow to speak and slow to wrath. In this second contrast, James highlights our reaction. Not only are we to have the heart to swiftly hear God’s Word, but we are to refrain from speaking “back at it,” and becoming angry because of it. The book of Acts provides numerous examples of these attitudes set in contrast. By the labor of the apostles, the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
In contrast, the unbelieving Jews, “stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him (Stephen, RLS), and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses” (Acts 6:11b-13a).
In Antioch of Pisidia, when the unbelieving Jews witnessed the success of the gospel, they “were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming” (Acts 13:45). In contrast, the Gentiles who “swiftly” heard the Word of God, “were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord (through obedience, RLS): and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).
James concludes his admonition by noting that “wrath,” i.e., anger that is stirred up against the Word of God, does not “work righteousness.” Peter noted that the working of righteousness has to do with believing in Christ (cf. Acts 10:35, 43), and Paul called the working of righteousness “living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Tit. 2:12). Such a life is only produced when we have the proper attitude toward the Word of God. Friend, will you swiftly and with all readiness of mind hear the Word?