listening is necessary, is a recipe for disaster. This theme of truly hearing will be expanded in the discussion on James 1:22–25. We are to be slow to speak (1:19). The human tendency is to be reactive, rather than reflective. James will argue here, and in chapter 3, that words have power. Of all people, Christians, who were brought to spiritual life by a “word,” ought to appreciate that truth. We are to weigh our words carefully, knowing that they count. We are to be slow to become angry (1:19).