CWW Week 41 - Anger - Day 2

Devotional: Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger

Verse:
James 1:19–20 (ESV) –
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Devotional Thought

We live in a fast-paced world that celebrates quick responses, fast comebacks, and instant opinions. Social media encourages us to post before we’ve prayed, react before we’ve reflected, and speak before we’ve really listened. But James, the brother of Jesus, calls us to a very different way of living—one that’s not natural, but deeply spiritual.

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” These are simple instructions, but incredibly hard to live out. They challenge our pride, our ego, and our desire to be right or heard.

James goes on to say, “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” That’s heavy. Our anger—when it’s driven by emotion, frustration, or pride—doesn’t build God’s Kingdom. It doesn’t make us more like Jesus. In fact, it usually leaves a trail of regret and brokenness.

God’s Word doesn’t say “don’t ever feel angry.” Anger itself isn’t a sin. It’s a natural human emotion. Even Jesus got angry when He saw injustice and hypocrisy. But James is talking about the kind of anger that flares up when we feel misunderstood, disrespected, or inconvenienced. That kind of anger is dangerous because it blinds us to truth and tempts us to act in ways that dishonour God.

Think about your own life. How often have you said something in anger that you later wished you could take back? How often have you spoken before fully hearing the other person out? How many arguments could have been avoided—or at least softened—by simply listening first?

The truth is, being “quick to hear” takes humility. It means laying down your need to always have the last word. It means seeking to understand before trying to be understood. It’s choosing to be present in the moment instead of formulating your response while the other person is still talking.

Being “slow to speak” doesn’t mean you stay silent forever—it means you pause. You give the Holy Spirit space to guide your words. You weigh your response against God’s truth, not just your emotions.

And being “slow to anger” is about resisting that inner urge to explode, lash out, or shut down. It’s trusting that God is in control even when you feel out of control. It’s allowing patience and grace to shape your reaction.

James reminds us that we can’t claim to follow Jesus while letting our tempers run wild. The life that pleases God is marked by self-control, humility, and peace. That doesn’t come naturally—but it does come through surrender.

So today, let this passage be more than just a nice saying—it’s a challenge for real change. Ask God to help you become someone who listens more, speaks less, and handles anger with wisdom and grace. In a world full of noise, your quiet, steady spirit can speak volumes.

Reflection Questions

1. When was the last time you reacted in anger and later regretted it?
   What could you have done differently in that moment?
2. Are you more likely to be quick to speak or quick to listen?
   What habits can you practise to shift toward being “quick to hear”?
3. How might slowing down your anger allow you to reflect God’s love more clearly in your relationships?
   Think of a specific situation where this could apply.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Papa God,

Thank You for Your patience with me. You know how easily I can speak without thinking, react without listening, and get angry when things don’t go my way. I confess that too often, my words and emotions don’t reflect Your love.

Please help me to be quick to listen. Teach me to pause, to lean in with empathy, and to truly hear the hearts of others. Help me to be slow to speak—so that when I do open my mouth, my words bring peace, not pain.

And Father, make me slow to anger. Let me not be driven by pride or frustration, but by Your Spirit. Fill me with Your wisdom so I can respond with grace, even in tough moments.

Thank You that Your anger is slow and Your mercy is great. Shape me to be more like You in every conversation and every reaction. I want my life to reflect the righteousness that comes from You—not from my own emotions.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.