Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose.
James 1:19-20 GNT
Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. God desires righteous living for every believer. When a person becomes frequently furious, it negates the true nature of God, which is righteousness. James emphasises that believers must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This highlights the importance of being patient and thoughtful in our reactions, especially in maintaining our righteousness and reflecting God’s nature.
Let’s examine the three key components of these verses:
- Quick to Listen: Being eager and quick to listen means giving others our full attention and trying to understand their perspective before responding.
- Slow to Speak: Taking time to think before responding involves measured and thoughtful communication, and avoiding hasty or reckless words. Proverbs 15:28 (KJV) states, “The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.”
- Slow to Anger: Controlling anger and responding with patience and calmness helps maintain peace and understanding.
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
Luke 17:1 NKJV
As believers living in the world, we must understand that offences will always come. However, our reaction to these offences measures our spiritual growth and understanding. This emphasises that stumbling blocks are inevitable, and anger is a significant factor that can cause one to stumble. Thus, we must ensure that God’s righteousness is achieved in all situations, even in our anger.
Consider the life of Jesus, our perfect example. Jesus displayed anger when He cleansed the temple. However, His anger was righteous and directed at the misuse of His Father’s house. This contrasts with human wrath, which is often selfish and destructive. Jesus’ actions were measured, purposeful, and aligned with God’s will (Matthew 21:12-13).
In contrast, consider the life of Moses and his negative anger in Numbers 20:7-12. When the Israelites complained about the lack of water, Moses, in frustration and anger, struck the rock twice. This was in contrast to speaking to it as God had commanded. As a result, Moses was disqualified from entering the Promised Land. This illustrates how human wrath can lead to disobedience and negative consequences.
In conclusion, this scripture emphasises that we should not be hasty in our spirit to become angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools. Human anger does not produce or accomplish God’s righteous purposes. Often impulsive, self-centred, and destructive, human anger contrasts sharply with the righteous and constructive nature of God’s intentions. Our anger, driven by personal grievances or emotions, tends to lead us away from God’s will and disrupt the peace and harmony He desires.
Do you desire to live and have healthy relationships with people? The Bible is a complete guide for victorious living. Embrace these principles to cultivate healthy communication, relationships, and a righteous character that reflects God’s nature. By being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, we align ourselves with God’s righteous purposes and create a life of peace and understanding.
