Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
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James 1:17-21
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (1871) (public domain).
Wherefore--as your evil is of yourselves, but your good from God. However, the oldest manuscripts and versions read thus: "YE KNOW IT (so Eph 5:5; Heb 12:17), my beloved brethren; BUT (consequently) let every man be swift to hear," that is, docile in receiving "the word of truth" (Jam 1:18, Jam 1:21). The true method of hearing is treated in Jam 1:21-27, and Jam. 2:1-26. slow to speak-- (Pro 10:19; Pro 17:27-28; Ecc 5:2). A good way of escaping one kind of temptation arising from ourselves (Jam 1:13). Slow to speak authoritatively as a master or teacher of others (compare Jam 3:1): a common Jewish fault: slow also to speak such hasty things of God, as in Jam 1:13.
Other Bible passages linked to this one, most cited first.
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Authorship: the book itself or Christian tradition. Approximate dates, as in Carson and Moo, An Introduction to the New Testament, and Longman and Dillard, An Introduction to the Old Testament.