After James had made the process of temptation and trials very clear to his readers, he then unveils to them some important qualities needed while experiencing difficulty. James writes “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” (1:19-20). Those who are going through trials should be quick to listen to the words of God and slow to react with their own words. A person’s tendency is to immediately verbalize their deepest emotions during trials and temptations, but James says that we should have ears to hear what God is saying. Some people will even ignore the words of God because they have blamed Him for their hardship, but anger against God will not produce good behavior. Instead, a follower of Christ should lay aside all sin and receive the truth of God’s word which is able to provide comfort and cleansing (1:21). James then details the two responses to hearing the word of God. First, there is the hearer only. This person hears the truth of God’s word, but chooses not to take action (1:23-24). James compares the Bible to a mirror and declares that it will reflect a person’s true self; in other words, Scripture exposes what is good, what is bad, how to correct wrong behavior, and how to keep on the right path (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A person who ignores it is unwise. The other reaction to the word of God is to be a doer. A doer is a person who not only hears the truth of scripture, but also takes action in his or her life (1:25-27). Obedience to the word of God is foundational to our faith. Without spending time in God’s word, a person will not be able to fulfill the purposes of God. Take the advice of James – be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” (1:22).
Dear God, help me to carefully hear Your word and then give me the strength to obey it with my whole heart.
