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James 1:19-21,  My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

The author of this letter is James, the brother of Jesus, who was a leader in the early church in Jerusalem.  He addresses it to the twelve tribes dispersed among the nations, so this would include the Jewish community who are now dispersed in the nations around Palestine.  Gentile Christians may also be included but this isn’t clear.  James doesn’t appear to have a specific progression to his letter; he does hop from topic to topic, covering a lot of ground, mostly concerned with matters that will affect the strength and integrity of the listeners’ faith.

Now, let’s turn to our focus verses.  “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” The power of the tongue is a dangerous thing.  Haven’t we seen this over and over again?  We find commands to control the tongue throughout wisdom literature.  In fact, lack of control over our speech almost always leads to issues.  There is a definite connection between looseness of speech and anger.  Maybe unresolved anger is the root of gossip and angry speech.  But let’s be clear, a wagging tongue is almost never a good thing. 

The verses continue, “…human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”  In this case, we might think of righteousness as that which meets God’s approval or even the way of doing life for which God approves.  Basically, anger leads to the kinds of things which displease God.  Period.

But there’s more.  Because of all that stuff we just talked about, “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” Get rid of your old way of doing life that is so rampant in the world and put on your new life like a new set of clothes, your new life in Christ. 

My mind immediately goes to 2 Cor. 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  When we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and makes a home within us and we literally become new people.  We are transformed from the inside out.  James seems to be saying that with these new lives, we have to be so careful and aware of the words that come out of our mouths.  We don’t want to displease God.  I might also add, nor do we want to damage the Kingdom.  How much damage has been done, how many people have been turned off, because a Christ-follower said an ugly word, gossiped about someone, or demonstrated anger in an unhealthy way?  Too much damage, my dear friends, way too much damage.  Let’s all say “enough is enough” and commit to restraining our tongues.

Let’s pray…Jesus Christ, We need your help.  Help us tame our tongues.  Help us calm our nerves and our anger.  Help us be better ambassadors for you.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.