What About Hasty Speech and Anger?
1. Read James 1:19-20. What is the relationship between being (1) "quick to listen;" (2) "slow to speak;" and (3) "slow to become angry?" In your experience, how does one affect the others?

* "He who guards his lips (i.e. he who is careful about what he says) guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly (quickly, carelessly) will come to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3, NIV)

* "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered (i.e. not quick-tempered).
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue." (Proverbs 17:27-28, NIV)

2. What is wrong with "man's anger?" Do you think that anger is always wrong? If not, explain the difference between wrong (sinful) anger and justifiable or righteous anger. What type of anger do you usually have?

Listening and Doing
3. Read James 1:21-25. Verse 21 says to get rid of all moral filth and evil in your lives, and "humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." What is the "word planted in you?" What does it mean to "humbly accept" it? Think of an example of applying verse 21.

4. In what way(s) do we deceive ourselves by "merely listening" to the word?

5. In what way is the man who looks in the mirror (1:23-24) different from the man who looks into the perfect law (1:25). What is the main point of the contrast? Are you more similar to the first man or the second man?

6. What is the "perfect law" and how does it "give freedom?"

• The "perfect law" is the Law as interpreted, supplemented, and fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus said, "I have not come to abolish [the Old Testament Law or the Prophets] but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). The "perfect law" is substantially equivalent to the "word" in verses 22-23, which is connected to the "word planted in you" in verse 21, which is connected to the New Covenant promise of God: "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33). "Freedom" is a result of the New Covenant promises of forgiveness of sins (including freedom from sin's penalty and controlling power), and the indwelling Holy Spirit who enables us to do what the word says.

Reflection and Application

† What "moral filth" do you need to get rid of? Commit yourself to get rid of it, but remember that the power for genuine moral change comes from God, through faith in Jesus Christ.
† Do you consider yourself a "mere listener" or a "doer" of God's word? Perhaps you are a "mere listener" because you do not believe God's word. If so, commit yourself to seek the truth with genuine humility. If you are a Christian who "merely listens," commit yourself to "humbly accept the word planted in you" and "do what it says!" None of us is perfect in this, but we need to genuinely commit and recommit ourselves to be doers of God's word.

Pure & Faultless Religion
7. Read James 1:26-27. What are some of the differences between "worthless religion" and "pure and faultless religion?"

Reflection and Application

† Is your "religion" pure and faultless? This week, identify one or more attitudes or actions that you need to work on. What specific steps can you take in putting God's word into practice?