The Pulpit Commentary — James — Section 23

\'ers. 19-21.-The recepti()'TI, of the Word. "The Word of truth" being within our reach, as the means of conveying to us the great gift of regeneration, it is most important that we cultivate those dispositions which are most favourable to the realization of its sa,·ing power. These three verses accordingly contain four counsels, each of which touches a deeper part of our nature than the one preceding. If we would rightly " receive " the Word, we must have-- L A QuICK EAB. "Swift to hear.' This precept refers to the acquisition of religious knowledge, whether in connection with reading or hearing. We should be careful as to the entire matter of our reading, makiag the staple of it not fugitive literature, far less frivolous books, but such as are solid and improving. For directly spiritual instruc- tion we should go seldomer to books about the Bible, and oftener straight to the Word of God itself, that we may hear him speaking in it. We should also be" swift to hear" the oral proclamation of the gospel. " Belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ" (Rou:. :x. 17). His word appeals to the heart more powerfully when spoken by a living earnest man, than when it is read even from the written page of Seri pture. We should, therefore, em brace every opportunity of hearing in the sanctuary, and be attentive and teachable, and follow up our hearing with reflection and obedience. II. A CAUTIOUS TONGUE. "Slow to speak." This exhortation naturally follows the preceding, for the man who is exceedingly fond of hearing himself speak will never be a ready listener. The precept is good for common use in the conduct of our life; but its specific reference in this passa1a1e is to caution in the declaration of" the Word ot' truth." While we are under a sacred obligation to " exhort one another day by day " (Heb. iii. 13), and to "speak often one to another" (Mai. iii. 16), we are to be "slow to speak" in the sense of weighing well our words, and of realizing the responsibility "l"l"hicb attaches to them. :Ministers should preach only what they have carefully thought out; and they should beware of publishing crude speculation~ on theological subjects. It is right, too, that ca_n~dates for the ministry should be ~eqmred to ~dergo a lengthened curriculum of tra1010g before they are entrusted with the contmuous instruction of a congregation (eh. iiL 1, 2; 1 'l'im. iii. 6). III. A CALM TEMPEB. "Slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" (vers. ]JJ, 20). Much speaking tempts to passionate speaking; every one knows what is meant by "the heat of debate." At all times we ought to be "slow to wrath:" to cultivate such a spirit is an important part of the imitation of God. But we shonld particularly guard against irritation of temper at Church-meetings, and in conversation or conference upon religious subjects. 'l'be clergyman must labour to avoid the odium thed.ogu;wm. The preacher must threaten and warn only in love O'JI, I, 1-27,) THE GENEilAL EPISTLE OF JAMES. 17