A Tight Rein

The authorship of James is typically attributed to Jesus’ half-brother. This epistle was likely written soon after Pentecost (as early as AD 35). It may even be the earliest New Testament document. James is writing to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (James 1:1)— Jews who believed in Jesus as the Messiah and had left Jerusalem, possibly due to persecution. They had a foundation of faith but were lacking maturity. So James was writing to teach them how to live out their Christian commitment under difficult circumstances. A thesis statement for the book could be “faith without works is dead” (2:17).

James frequently references the teaching of Jesus. In The Moody Bible Commentary, John F. Hart notes 24 specific parallels with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Most relevant to our study, almost every chapter of James includes lessons on communication.

Today’s passage opens with three directives: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (v. 19). Christlike communication begins with careful, humble listening, which leads to measured responses and tames tempers. Uncontrolled anger, wrote James, can be a significant barrier to our growth and sanctification (v. 20).

James calls on his readers to listen to the Word of God (v. 22)—but not as passive hearers. Rather, James demands an active listening that results in obedience. James uses the simile of a person who looks in a mirror and ignores his reflection to describe someone who hears God’s Word but does not obey (vv. 23–24). By contrast, the person who studies the Word and changes accordingly will enjoy reward (v. 25). Finally, James boldly declares the religion of his readers “worthless” if it does not result in self-control in their speech and compassion for the needy (vv. 26–27).

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