Bible Strands
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James writes to Jewish believers in the diaspora; this verse pivots from their new birth through the word (1:18) to how that birth should appear in daily conduct.
The words — ἔστω (estō) is a present imperative, "let him be," marking a continuous disposition rather than a one-time act. The subject shifts from the intimate "beloved brothers" to πᾶς ἄνθρωπος (pas anthrōpos), "every man," universalizing the command.
The thread — Proverbs 17:27, 21:23, and 14:29 press the same point: guarding speech and temper marks understanding, while quickness of tongue and anger produces folly and distress.
Why it lands — It is a behavioral command, not a sentiment: control your mouth and your temper, because 1:20 states the reason plainly — human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Cross-references
- Proverbs 17:27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.
- Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
- Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
- Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
- Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.
- Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
- Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,
- Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
- Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.
- Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.