James 1:19-21 - Written by Wanda Rodriguez - Written on June 4, 2025 - Published on June 4, 2025

James 1:19-21 ESV

Written by Wanda Rodriguez

Written on June 4, 2025 

Published on June 4, 2025

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21 ESV

The book of James is very meaningful to me.  Among other reasons, it is how we decided on the name of our son all those years ago.  We were sitting in church, listening to what was being shared (more or less) when my mind began to wander (if you have read any of my previous posts, this should come as no great surprise to you! … Squirrel!).  I was thinking of possible baby boy names and saying them in my head.  Having suffered some teasing and bullying as a child, I was testing the “vessel” for leaks.  (We were pretty much unsupervised, free-range chickens back then.  It was a matter of tease or be teased, unless you were lucky enough to fly under the radar.  I was not so lucky.)  I was taking the names out for a mental test drive to see how it sounded, if it rhymed with anything, if the initials spelled or sounded close to something, what it might be shortened too, etc.  I was trying to tease-proof the chosen name (Impossible task, I know!).

As I sat there half listening (that might be a generous estimate), I heard the pastor say, loud and clear, to open our Bibles to the Book of James.  That’s it!  Ahhhhh!!  I heard angels sing (slight exaggeration)!  The name had been dropped into my lap.  It was a strong name, and I fell in love with the sound of it.  “James!  James!  James! James!”  (Unrelated side note - I just remembered one of James’s Boy Scout friends singing that to him at one of the meetings, and it still makes me laugh!!) I was so happy with the name and, thankfully, Dave loved it as well.  Yes, I know that Jim, Jimmy (Slippin’ Jimmy, IYKYK), and Jimbo were all possible nicknames, but it was worth the risk!  James it was and, though my mind still wandered for the remainder of the service, an important decision was made.  His middle name is equally as powerful, but that's a story for another day.  

So, the Book of James holds extra meaning for me because of how it was placed on my heart for our son.  Seriously, everything else being said that morning was muffled, not unlike Charlie Brown’s teacher on the phone.  The only words to break through the white noise was “Book of James.” (Epiphany!!!!) 

Fast forward to this past Sunday at church.  The pastor was talking about the verse above, James 1:19-21.  It was meaningful to me, as each word seemed to highlight to me areas where I see others (others both past and present), but more importantly, areas where I see myself and where I can stand improvements (understatement!).  Goodness!  Now that I think about it, the same verses could have been discussed on that fateful name-dropping day.  Maybe, since I missed it then, God signed me up for a remedial course this past weekend.  (Hah! I crack myself up! Really!)  Although I said it in jest, there is some truth to the saying, “Repetition is the mother of learning.”  Have you noticed that when you read or learn about something, specific bible verses for example, that you may pick up different nuances or key takeaways each time.  It’s interesting how the same words can be interpreted differently by you at different times.  It makes me think of God “lifting the veils” from our eyes to deepen our understanding as we grow and are able to process it.

Regarding the scripture reference, I recognize that the Bible is speaking both personally and spiritually but, for the purpose of this writing, I am going to focus on what it means person to person.  That being said, what does it mean to be quick to listen?  To me it means to take a pause.  Be quiet and let someone else do the talking.  It’s not a call to just sit there, waiting for your chance to talk (or not waiting and talking right over them!), but it challenges us to actually listen to what is being shared.  Don’t automatically flip the script and make it about you.  Yes, you can naturally relate your experiences, but slow your roll, take in what is being shared, how it is being shared, and where it is coming from.  I know that I am guilty of trying to be witty (skillful deflection technique, shhhh… our secret), and think of sharp comments on whatever is being shared.  Being a class clown is one of my many superpowers and, trying to make people laugh can be a great tension breaker.  It can also be a distraction from what is really being said and inadvertently hurt the one doing the sharing.  I have often been accused (accurately) of not knowing when to quit and taking things too far, one of my many not-so-super-powers.  So, take time to listen, to really hear what is being said, how it is being said and let it sink in before you reply.  If you reply.  

What does it mean to be slow to speak?  Sometimes you just need to shut your pie-hole and listen because there are times someone just needs to feel heard, to be heard, to feel valued and validated.  So, slow your roll!  If I ever went to my brother for advice he would say something like, Let me think on that for a minute and get back with you.   I admired his ability to take the time needed to step back, let the information marinate and to collect his thoughts before sharing his opinions.  This is harder than it sounds because we tend to be fixers by nature.  We (me) tend to hear information and want to quickly process it and, Bing-Bang-Boom!, offer the perfect solution!  Voila’!  Life doesn’t work that way.  This goes back to listening; try to take in all of what is being said before you hastily offer a response or a solution.  We have all heard the saying, Actions speak louder than words. But, it can also be said that spoken words can loudly influence actions.  The words you speak and share may adversely impact others’ thoughts, feelings or actions so take your time and don’t just offer a hasty, knee-jerk reply.  

What does it mean to be slow to anger? (Hello!  McFly!! IYKYK) It means just what it says!  Wake up and take a big, fat chill pill!  Everything is not going to go your way, you are not always going to leave or arrive on time, you are not always going to be dealing with considerate drivers, colleagues, classmate or family members, you are not always going to eat or drink without spilling, you are not always going to get your way, you are not always going to feel seen, heard or validated, you are not always going to agree with little things (like bedtime) or big things (like politics), etc.  This list could truly be infinite!  I think it is safe to say that we have all experienced moments of anger and frustration in our lives.  It could be triggered by the tiniest of things, by something completely unrelated to what pushed you to the tipping point or it could be something huge!  The message is clear though, slow down, take a breath, count to 10, walk away, clear your head, pray, write it out, do whatever you need to do to regroup and collect your thoughts and your words, especially when you are angry.  I like to use the “24-hour rule” for things that really frustrate me.  It gives me time to clear my head and think more clearly and be less reactive.  This is not always the case, but I do make an effort, and the outcome is inevitably better when I take a pause. 

I encourage you to reread James 1:19-21 and see how it applies to your life.  To me, it seems pretty clear and straightforward.  Things that are obviously clear and straightforward, however, can sometimes be the hardest things to do, especially in the heat of the moment.  Still, I encourage you (and me!!) to try to make this the norm, not the exception. It’s a recipe for success!  Try sprinkling in a little patience, grace, and forgiveness to the “recipe” where needed (for yourself, others or, both…) for added benefits and seasoning. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey.  -Wanda