There is a well-known saying that states that God created you with two ears and one mouth with the idea that you would listen twice as much as you speak. James seemed to agree with this sentiment, telling us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. To be quick to listen means that we should make every effort to let listening be our first move of response. To be slow to speak means that we should listen first and fully understand what is being said before we reply. To be slow to become angry means we should have self-control and discipline over our emotions and not let those emotions cloud wisdom and better judgment. It is this ungodly anger that produces the opposite of righteousness within us. James urges his readers to get rid of all moral filth and evil and instead replace it with the word, which can save you. The word of God is more powerful than any man’s hard exterior. It is more powerful and accurate than our own ego. Selfish Pride is the scariest part of being human at times. It operates like a parasite, taking your life slowly. The way people often listen to themselves above God stems from a human sense of pride. We know God says to live holy and to heed His word, yet, we choose the path we decided for ourselves over the one He laid out for us. We can live so blinded by the lies we tell ourselves while living in the flesh. We have such a deep desire to control and rule our own lives so badly we blatantly ignore the truth of God's word in pursuit of those desires. Adam and Eve had the luxury of God’s provision at hand but still chose to reject him. Esau had the birthright as the firstborn son, but still sacrificed his identity for human hunger. We often do the same thing, looking for ways to feed our flesh at the expense of what is truly important.

Yet, God calls us to be different. We worship what we listen to and we listen to whatever we elevate in worship. It doesn’t matter how often you attend church or the good deeds you do if you’re not connecting with God’s word. Sometimes, we go to church like a duty or chore but never actually do it with God in mind. We do it as a checklist or maybe because we feel guilty or ashamed of sin. At its core, James is a book all about wisdom and worship. James doesn’t let believers stay comfortable because he knows that we tend to worship ourselves more when we’re comfortable. James calls us out of our recliners and country clubs. Comfort in and of itself isn't a bad thing. We serve the God who gives comfort. But we don't have to be controlled or bound by the need for comfort. We’re called to leave the need for comfort behind, the wealth of Egypt like Moses did, and instead find comfort in the one who provides true comfort. The right kind of comfort, the kind that comes from God himself, develops righteousness and holiness within us instead of pride and apathy.