Matthew Henry Commentary James 1:19-21

"Ye know [this], my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." — James 1:19-21 (ASV)

Instead of blaming God under our trials, let us open our ears and hearts to learn what he teaches by them. And if we would govern our tongues, we must govern our passions. The worst thing we can bring to any dispute is anger.

Here is an exhortation to lay apart, and to cast off as a filthy garment, all sinful practices. This must reach to sins of thought and affection, as well as of speech and practice; to everything corrupt and sinful.

We must yield ourselves to the word of God, with humble and teachable minds, being willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. It is the design of the word of God to make us wise to salvation; and those who propose any unworthy or superficial purposes in attending to it, dishonor the gospel, and disappoint their own souls.