19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
19 Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.
19 So then,
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
26 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.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
26 Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air.
26 If anyone among you
26 If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
(Read James 1:26-27)
When men take more pains to seem religious than really to be so, it is a sign their religion is in vain. The not bridling the tongue, readiness to speak of the faults of others, or to lessen their wisdom and piety, are signs of a vain religion. The man who has a slandering tongue, cannot have a truly humble, gracious heart. False religious may be known by their impurity and uncharitableness. True religion teaches us to do every thing as in the presence of God. An unspotted life must go with unfeigned love and charity. Our true religion is equal to the measure in which these things have place in our hearts and conduct. And let us remember, that nothing avails in Christ Jesus, but faith that worketh by love, purifies the heart, subdues carnal lusts, and obeys God's commands.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on James 1:19
Commentary on James 1:19-21
(Read James 1:19-21)
Instead of blaming God under our trials, let us open our ears and hearts to learn what he teaches by them. And if men would govern their tongues, they must govern their passions. The worst thing we can bring to any dispute, is anger. Here is an exhortation to lay apart, and to cast off as a filthy garment, all sinful practices. This must reach to sins of thought and affection, as well as of speech and practice; to every thing corrupt and sinful. We must yield ourselves to the word of God, with humble and teachable minds. Being willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. It is the design of the word of God to make us wise to salvation; and those who propose any mean or low ends in attending upon it, dishonour the gospel, and disappoint their own souls.