Be Swift to Hear and Slow to Anger

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath [anger]; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
— James 1:19-20

This is an essential verse for every Christian to learn. Often, we get angry about things because we didn’t take the time to listen carefully.

James tells us to be quick to listen but slow to speak. We need to think carefully about what someone is saying before we respond. Additionally, we must learn to be very slow to get angry.

Understanding a Quick Temper

Some people have a quick temper. They get angry over trivial (unimportant) things.

They might throw temper tantrums when they do not get their way, or pout when others refuse to go along with their plans. As Christians, we must strive to be patient people who do not get angry easily.

Is Anger Always Wrong?

Not all anger is bad. In Psalm 4:4, the Bible tells us, “Be angry, and do not sin.” Even God feels anger when people disobey Him and hurt others.

However, most of our anger is about the wrong things. Getting angry and saying mean or hurtful things is always wrong. We must learn to control our anger because human wrath does not produce the righteousness (the quality of being pleasing to God) that God desires. Uncontrolled anger will only damage our influence for good.

How to Control Your Temper

Here are a few practical steps to help control your temper:

• Take a pause: Breathe deeply or count to ten slowly to give yourself time to calm down.
• Listen first: Remember that you cannot think clearly when your emotions are running high.
• Pray: Ask God to help you manage your feelings.

Your daily example is powerful, so choose to respond with patience.