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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/1-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/59_Jas_01_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 1:19 - Hearing and Doing" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/1-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/1-19.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 19</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/1-18.htm" title="James 1:18">◄</a> James 1:19 <a href="/james/1-20.htm" title="James 1:20">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/1.htm">New International Version</a> My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, <a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. <a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; <a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Know this, my beloved brothers. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow unto anger; <a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: <a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a> So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; <a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; <a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; <a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; <a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Know this, my beloved brothers. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; <a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; <a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, <a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, <a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: <a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. <a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: <a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. <a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. <a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> You must understand this, my dear brothers. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. <a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So then, my beloved brothers, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, <a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. <a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This you know, my beloved brothers. But let every person be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; <a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You know this, my dearly-loved brethren. But let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. <a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a> So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> So then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Know this, my beloved brothers. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow unto anger; <a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> So then, my brethren beloved, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, <a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore, my dearly beloved brethren, let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak, and slow to anger. <a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You know this, my most beloved brothers. So let every man be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to anger. <a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, <a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, and slow to speak, and slow to anger: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And you, my beloved brethren, everyone of you should be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> So, then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. <a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Know, my beloved brethren; but let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow toward wrath: <a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. <a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Wherefore, my dear brethren, let every one be eager to hear, averse to contradiction, and deaf to passion. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You know this, my dearly-loved brethren. But let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. <a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Ye know this, my beloved brethren; but let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; <a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: <a href="/parallel/james/1-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=151" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Hearing and Doing</a> 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. 19<a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">My</a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētoi (Adj-VMP) -- From agapao; beloved.">beloved</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: Iste (V-RMA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">understand this:</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pas (Adj-NMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">Everyone</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpos (N-NMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estō (V-PMA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">should be</a> <a href="/greek/5036.htm" title="5036: tachys (Adj-NMS) -- Quick, swift, speedy, ready, prompt. Of uncertain affinity; fleet, i.e. prompt or ready.">quick</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousai (V-ANA) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">listen,</a> <a href="/greek/1021.htm" title="1021: bradys (Adj-NMS) -- Slow, slow of understanding. Of uncertain affinity; slow; figuratively, dull.">slow</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalēsai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speak,</a> <a href="/greek/1021.htm" title="1021: bradys (Adj-NMS) -- Slow, slow of understanding. Of uncertain affinity; slow; figuratively, dull.">and slow</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3709.htm" title="3709: orgēn (N-AFS) -- From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment.">anger,</a> 20for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a> A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a> When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:9</a> Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a> A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a> He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. <a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a> “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold. <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a> But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a> A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a> He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him. <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a> A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a> But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a> Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8-9</a> Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. / Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Proverbs 12:16</a> A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:let.<a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Nehemiah 8:2,3,12-14,18</a> And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month… <a href="/nehemiah/9-3.htm">Nehemiah 9:3</a> And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.<a href="/proverbs/8-32.htm">Proverbs 8:32-35</a> Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways… slow to speak.<a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a> If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.<a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1,2</a> My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation… <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a> In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.slow to wrath.<a href="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Nehemiah 9:17</a> And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.<a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Proverbs 14:17,29</a> He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated… <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Proverbs 15:18</a> A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-27.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-33.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/james/1-16.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/james/1-16.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/james/1-16.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-23.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">Note</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-37.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-12.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/james/1-1.htm">Words</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-27.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/1-20.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-8.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/revelation/18-5.htm">Note</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/james/2-12.htm">Words</a> <a href="/james/1-20.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">James 1</div>1. <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;</a> 2. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;</a> 5. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">to ask patience of God;</a> 13. <a href="/james/1-13.htm">and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,</a> 19. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.</a> 26. <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The term "brothers" is inclusive of all believers, both men and women, and reflects the early church's understanding of being part of God's family. This familial language is consistent with other New Testament writings, such as Paul's letters, where believers are often referred to as "brothers and sisters" (e.g., <a href="/romans/12.htm">Romans 12:1</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10</a>). The use of "beloved" underscores the deep affection and care that James has for his audience, aligning with the commandment to love one another as Christ loved us (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a>).Understand this This phrase serves as an imperative, urging the audience to grasp the importance of the following instructions. It reflects the wisdom literature style found in Proverbs, where understanding and wisdom are highly valued (<a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>). The call to "understand" suggests that the teachings are not merely to be heard but internalized and acted upon, echoing Jesus' teachings about being doers of the word (<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>).Everyone should be quick to listen Listening is a key theme in biblical wisdom literature, where it is often associated with gaining knowledge and understanding (<a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5, 18</a>:13). In the cultural context of the early church, oral communication was primary, and listening was essential for learning and community life. This instruction aligns with the Jewish tradition of valuing the spoken word and the importance of hearing God's voice, as seen in the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>). Being "quick to listen" also reflects the humility and teachability that are hallmarks of a godly character.Slow to speak This phrase advises restraint in speech, a theme prevalent in wisdom literature (<a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19, 17</a>:27). In the historical context, speech was a powerful tool, and words could build up or destroy communities. James later elaborates on the power of the tongue in <a href="/james/3.htm">James 3:1-12</a>, warning of its potential for harm. The call to be "slow to speak" encourages thoughtful and measured responses, reflecting the character of Christ, who spoke with wisdom and authority (<a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Matthew 7:28-29</a>).And slow to anger Anger is addressed throughout Scripture as a human emotion that can lead to sin if not controlled (<a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a>). In the cultural context of James' audience, anger could disrupt the unity and peace of the community. The instruction to be "slow to anger" aligns with the character of God, who is described as "slow to anger" and abounding in steadfast love (<a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a>). This phrase calls believers to emulate God's patience and self-control, fostering an environment of peace and understanding within the church.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes with authority and pastoral concern for the believers. 2. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a> The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and needing guidance on living out their faith. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jerusalem_church.htm">The Jerusalem Church</a> The central hub of early Christianity, where James played a significant role. The teachings in this letter reflect the moral and ethical concerns of this community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a> Listening is a foundational skill for effective communication and relationship building. It requires humility and a willingness to understand others before expressing our own views. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Words have the power to build up or tear down. Being slow to speak allows us to choose words that edify and reflect Christ's love. <a href="/topical/m/managing_anger.htm">Managing Anger</a> Anger, when unchecked, can lead to sin. By being slow to anger, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our responses and maintain peace. <a href="/topical/c/cultivating_patience.htm">Cultivating Patience</a> Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and is essential in our interactions with others. It helps us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_our_conduct.htm">Reflecting Christ in Our Conduct</a> Our behavior should reflect the character of Christ. By being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 1</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'quick_to_listen,_slow_to_speak'.htm">What does "quick to listen, slow to speak" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_anger.htm">What does the Bible teach about managing anger?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_anger_at_god.htm">What does the Bible say about being angry with God?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_road_rage.htm">What does the Bible say about road rage?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) We come now to the third subdivision of the chapter. By reason of the Divine benevolence, the Apostle urges his readers--(1) to meekness, (2) self-knowledge, (3) practical religion.Wherefore, my beloved brethen.--There appears to be some small error in the MSS. here, but the alteration is only just worth mentioning: ye know my brethren beloved, seems the correct version, the very abruptness of which may serve to arrest attention. Yea, "have ye not known?" might well be asked further in the indignant language of Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/40-21.htm" title="Have you not known? have you not heard? has it not been told you from the beginning? have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?">Isaiah 40:21</a>; comp. <a href="/romans/5-19.htm" title="For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.">Romans 5:19</a>).Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.--For all these cautions are required in the building up of the new life. "The quick speaker is the quick kindler;" and we are told later on "how great a matter a little fire kindleth" (<a href="/james/3-5.htm" title="Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!">James 3:5</a>). And what have we at all to do with wrath, much less that our whole life--as unhappily it often is--should be wasted with such bitterness? Anger, no doubt, is a wholesome tonic for some minds, and certain weaknesses; but "he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (<a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm" title="He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.">Proverbs 16:32</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 19-27. - EXHORTATION (1) TO HEAR RATHER THAN TO SPEAK, (2) NOT ONLY TO HEAR, BUT ALSO TO DO. Verse 19. - The text requires correction. For ὥστε... ἔστω πᾶς of the Textus Receptus, read, Ἴστε ἀδελφοί μοι ἀγαπητοι ἔστω δὲ πᾶς, א, A, B, C, Latt. Ἴστε is probably indicative, and refers to what has gone before. "Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man," etc. The verse gives us St. James's version of the proverb, "Speech is silver. Silence is golden." Similar maxims were not infrequent among the Jews. So in Ecclus. 5:11, "Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer;" cf. 4:29, "Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and remiss." In the rabbinical work, 'Pirqe Aboth,' 1. 12, we have the following saying of Rabbi Simeon, the son of Gamaliel (who must, therefore, have been a contemporary of St. James): "All my days I have grown up amongst the wise, and have not found ought good for a man but silence; not learning but doing is the groundwork; and whoso multiplies words occasions sin." This passage is curiously like the one before us, both in the thoughts and in the expressions used. <a href="/commentaries/james/1-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. beloved ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. understand this: Ἴστε (Iste) Verb - Perfect Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. Everyone πᾶς (pas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. should be ἔστω (estō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. quick ταχὺς (tachys) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5036.htm">Strong's 5036: </a> Quick, swift, speedy, ready, prompt. Of uncertain affinity; fleet, i.e. prompt or ready. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. listen, ἀκοῦσαι (akousai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. slow βραδὺς (bradys) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1021.htm">Strong's 1021: </a> Slow, slow of understanding. Of uncertain affinity; slow; figuratively, dull. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. speak, λαλῆσαι (lalēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. [and] slow βραδὺς (bradys) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1021.htm">Strong's 1021: </a> Slow, slow of understanding. Of uncertain affinity; slow; figuratively, dull. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. anger, ὀργήν (orgēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/1-19.htm">NT Letters: James 1:19 So then my beloved brothers let every (Ja Jas. 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