James 1:19,20

To give context to these next two verses, the previous versus were dealing with the characteristics that we should have in hard times, our attitudes if we are poor or wealthy, and the role of both God and man in temptation.

Characteristics we should display were joyfulness, wisdom, and faith.

Attitudes we should have were enjoyment despite lack of wealth and humility even if having wealth.

Temptation does not come from God and when we face it, we should pray for God's help since He truly wants to assist us because we are His.

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." ~James 1:19,20

When life isn't fair or things go wrong, it is common to see people stomp about, venting angrily in another's face, shoving a pan onto the counter, or even hitting something.  I've watched arguments where those involved didn't even listen to how the other was seeing the same situation because they were too focused on getting their own side across (I'm guilty of this.)

This isn't what God wanted.

In hard times, Christians (a close-knit, loving group) should place 'listening to the other' very high.  Don't speak quickly, take your time to form solid communicative sentences, and avoid becoming angry or frustrated.  Your emotions will never come close to making things right as God can.

Tempting at this point to be in an argument and to become angry at the other side for not listening, but then you are already breaking part of what I'm telling you. 

Tempting at this point to be having something go wrong and become angry that others are not acting as they should, but then you are already breaking part of what I am telling you.