Q&A Home > W > Wrath When it says "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath" does it mean wrath is acceptable? Please explain. People are often stiff in their own opinions because they are not willing to hear any opposition from others. On the contrary, we should be swift in hearing reason and truth from all sides, and slow in stopping or slowing down such a process. In addition, when we do speak, our words should hold no wrath; for a soft answer turns away wrath. There is only a place for anger when it is pertaining to the honor and will of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ expressed His anger towards the moneychangers in the temple (Jn 2:13-17). He was angry, but only for God's honor for we note that when he was personally abused He said nothing (1 Pet 2:21-23).
We should take St. James' admonition to heart and be "slow to wrath" for though the "wrath of God" may on occasions accomplish the "righteousness of God, it is clearly stated that the "wrath of man" does not "For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:20).
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