At first glance James 1:19-20 appears to be a series of isolated exhortations and in Scripture memory exercises that is how these verse are often interpreted. However (as I have been guilty of on numerous occasions), to quote these passages in isolation is to "yank" them from their context. To take passages out of context sets the stage for misinterpretation, sometimes only slight misinterpretation, but occasionally resulting in grossly distorted interpretations (the cults specialize in this latter degree of misinterpretation as they are experts at taking a text out of context and using the resulting distortion of truth to deceive and dupe their victims!). The context of James 1:19-20 includes the previous passages...

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:16-18)

From these verses, one observes that James is clearly describing persons who have listened to or heard and received the word of truth and have been born again and become "as it were, the first fruits among His creatures". Observe also that James 1:21 is again referring to the Word of God and what must be done in order to receive it. Finally, in James 1:22, 23, 24, 25 teaches what the hearer of the Word must "do" with the Word once received in order for it to be an effective agent of transformation in one's life. Notice then that the verses preceding and following James 1:18-19 refer to the Word of God. (the Word of Truth, Jas 1:18-note)  Therefore it is only reasonable to interpret James 1:18-19 as referring to one's reaction/attitude toward the Word of God. Thus in order to maximize one's reception of the Word of God one needs to listen ("quick to hear"), restrain speaking (it is very difficult to hear God speaking if we are speaking) and refrain from anger.

Hiebert explains the relationship of this verse with the previous writing that...

The reference to the regenerating word of truth in Jas 1:18-note appropriately provides the subject for the first test of a living faith that James develops in this epistle. Having been brought to life by means of the Word, a genuine faith will rightly relate to that Word. The "word" in this paragraph seems clearly to have the same meaning as in Jas 1:18 above—the message of God's truth as embodied in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. The word of truth must be dominant in nurturing, guiding, and disciplining the life that God implanted by means of the Word. In this paragraph, its nature and function appear under three different figures: as seed (Jas 1:21), as a mirror (Jas 1:23), and as a law that gives freedom (Jas 1:25). In developing this test of faith, James calls for the proper reaction to the Word (Jas 1:19, 20), notes the condition for effective reception of the Word (Jas 1:21), and discusses the nature and importance of obedience to the Word (Jas 1:22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27). (Commentary on James)

This you know (1492) (present imperative second person plural of oida)- This verb is most likely a command which could be phrased "Know this!" (ESV) Understand (Amplified). Take note of this (NIV). The idea would be something like "Come to an understanding of this." The idea then is that what James is getting ready to say, although short and pithy is nevertheless important (if you have not memorized these words, you should consider doing so!)

James is saying that in view of the fact that they are now new creatures in Christ ("first fruits, v18), there are some vital/crucial truths that they need to know to bloom into the creations they were created to be (and have the potential to be) in Christ.

Notice that the KJV begins with "Wherefore" which is absent from the NAS (et al) rendering and most authorities agree that the Textus Receptus manuscript is less accurate than the modern manuscripts from which NAS, NIV, ESV, Amplified, etc are translated.

James 1:19, 20, 21 refers primarily to listening to and receiving the Word, while James 1:22, 23, 24, 25 emphasize primarily the doing and obeying the Word. This order  is quite logical for you cannot obey the Word of Truth until you hear the Word of Truth! Beloved, are you quick to hear the Word of Truth? Or are you quick to hear (read) your devotional about the Word or the latest NY Times best selling Christian book, etc? I am not saying you should never read anything but the Word of Truth, but considering the truth that only the Word of Truth provides everything necessarily for life and godliness (2Pe 1:3, 4- see notes), you should make it a priority to allot as much (or more) time to reading the Word of Truth (cp Ps 119:89- see Spurgeon's encouragement; Ps 119:97-see Spurgeon's note) as you do that Christian novel or other humanly composed literature! Do you prioritize God's Holy inerrant, all sufficient, eternal Word of infallible Truth? If not, please consider James' wise exhortation to be "quick to hear" and then obey what you read and you will be greatly blessed (cp Rev 1:3-note)

Charles H. Talbert introduces James 1:19-25 reminding us that in the book of Acts Christianity was often referred to as The Way (Acts 9:1, 2; 19:9; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14; 24:22) and...

What early Christian teachers like James aimed to do was to clarify the Way and to encourage a certain Walk. James 1:19-27 is a Travelers’ Advisory, advice from an early Christian teacher to travelers on their Christian walk. (Review and Expositor: James: Teaching Outlines and Selected Sermon Seeds)

With his affectionate "my brothers" James draws them to his heart as members of the same spiritual family. It softens any suggestion of harshness in his commands to them and assures them that "he wants them to feel that he is not a superior, commanding them, but an equal, exhorting them." They are the objects of his brotherly concern, and this should strengthen their desire to accept his call unto attainment of the ideal for the Christian life. (Ibid)

Brethren (80) (adelphos from collative a = denoting unity + delphús = womb) is literally one born from same womb and so a male having the same father and mother as reference person. Adelphos here refers to fellow believers (both brothers and sisters!) in Christ who are united by the cords of love and bond of affection.

But (1161)  (de) is a word of contrast. In the present context it is used more in the sense of introducing an explanation, reminding them of what they should know.

Everyone (pas anthropos) is literally "all men" or "all mankind".

The Nelson Study Bible has an interesting comment on quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger writing that...

These three exhortations reveal the outline of this letter (Jas 1:21-2:26 for “swift to hear”; Jas 3:1-18 for “slow to speak”; Jas 4:1-5:18 for “slow to wrath”). (Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. The Nelson Study Bible: NKJV.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

The KJV Bible Commentary has a similar note writing that...

From this point, the practical Epistle of James follows the three categories listed here: (1) swift to hear (Jas 1:21-2:26), regarding hearing as doing; (2) slow to speak (Jas 3:1-18), including the vulnerability of excessive talking and the comparison of conduct and speech; and (3) slow to wrath (Jas 4:1-17), identifying the sources of bitterness. The threefold admonition explains the proper response to the trials of life discussed in 1:2–18. (Dobson, E G, Charles Feinberg, E Hindson, Woodrow Kroll, H L. Wilmington: KJV Bible Commentary: Nelson or Logos)

Must be (2077) (second person singular present tense; active voice; imperative mood of eimi - 1510) is a command to be and in the present tense means you must continually be. James is calling for this to be the habitual practice of everyone (every single believer) who reads the Word of Truth (to be quick to hear, etc).

Hiebert explains that...

All members of the Christian community, whatever the extent of their knowledge of the Word or the degree of their spiritual maturity, need the exhortation. The imperative, as an appeal to the will, calls for their personal acceptance of the duty. The effective functioning of the Word in daily life demands their active cooperation...

"the Christians were dependent upon the preaching of traveling missionaries ... and of local teachers (Acts 13:1) for their knowledge of the gospel.'" To listen eagerly to the message was the first duty of discipleship. (Ibid)

Must be quick to hear - Hear what? As explained the context indicating that these beloved brethren are to now be attentive to the same Word that brought about their new birth.

Lenski writes that...

James is clearing up the way for the proper reception of the saving Word of God. A person who keeps up his own talking makes a bad hearer.

Alec Motyer explains it this way...

By the experience of conversion we discovered an important truth about ourselves—that the word of the gospel matches the new nature which God had secretly created within us, so that we were able to hear, understand and respond. The truth triggered the response. Conversion itself needs no repetition. It is a once-for-all, eternal transaction with God (e.g. Eph 1:13, 14). But the same pattern remains as the key to an on-going experience: we must go on hearing that word (the word of truth) which corresponds to the God-given new nature and in this way progressively enter into new life. By hearing the life-giving word, the energies of the new nature are stimulated into action. Therefore, we must be quick to hear.

We might wonder why the ever-practical James does not proceed to outline schemes of daily Bible reading or the like, for surely these are the ways in which we offer a willing ear to the voice of God. But he does not help us in this way. Rather, he goes deeper, for there is little point in schemes and times if we have not got an attentive spirit. It is possible to be unfailingly regular in Bible reading, but to achieve no more than to have moved the book-mark forward: this is reading unrelated to an attentive spirit. The word is read but not heard. On the other hand, if we can develop an attentive spirit, this will spur us to create those conditions—a proper method in Bible-reading, a discipline of time, and so on—by which the spirit will find itself satisfied in hearing the Word of God. (J. A. Motyer, The Message of James. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1985) (Bolding added)

William Kelly writes...

The exhortation therefore here is: "let every man be swift to hear." Christ Himself is the model of this, as of all else that is good. Though the Holy One of God, never was any so swift to hear God's word. So the prophet Isaiah distinguished Him,

The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples,
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
The Lord GOD has opened My ear;
And I was not disobedient,
Nor did I turn back. (Isa 50:4, 5)

Nor was it, otherwise with His bearing in presence of the tempter: the word of God was His constant resource (Mt 4:3,4), and only the more if Satan perverted it. "It is written again" (Mt 4:5, 6) was His lowly God-honouring answer (Mt 4:7, 8, 9 10, 11). And so it is, and has ever been, with His sheep. They hear His voice, and follow Him; they know not the voice of strangers (Jn 10:4, 5, 7, 8).

The word of truth abides in its value. By it they were begotten of God (Jas 1:18); by it the new life is fed, formed, directed, and strengthened. All the written word is prized as well as authoritative; but for special instructions God has been pleased to furnish those communications we call the New Testament. If we rightly heed all scripture, we assuredly shall welcome every word that explains the new life and its duties, and His glory and grace Who is its spring and fulness. (Commentary)

William Barclay observes that...

There are few wise men who have not been impressed by the dangers of being too quick to speak and too unwilling to listen. A most interesting list could be compiled of the things in which it is well to be quick and the things in which it is well to be slow. In the Sayings of the Jewish Fathers we read: “There are four characters in scholars. Quick to hear and quick to forget; his gain is cancelled by his loss. Slow to hear and slow to forget; his loss is cancelled by his gain. Quick to hear and slow to forget; he is wise. Slow to hear and quick to forget; this is an evil lot.” Ovid bids men to be slow to punish, but swift to reward. Philo bids a man to be swift to benefit others, and slow to harm them.

In particular the wise men were impressed by the necessity of being slow to speak. Rabbi Simeon said, “All my days I have grown up among the wise, and have not found aught good for a man but silence … Whose multiplies words occasions sin.” Jesus, the son of Sirach, writes, “Be swift to hear the word that thou mayest understand … If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, lest thou be surprised in an unskillful word, and be confounded” (Ecclesiasticus 5:11, 12). Proverbs is full of the perils of too hasty speech. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19). “He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise” (Proverbs 17:28). “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 29:20).

Hort says that the really good man will be much more anxious to listen to God than arrogantly, garrulously and stridently to shout his own opinions. The classical writers had the same idea. Zeno said, “We have two ears but only one mouth, that we may hear more and speak less.” When Demonax was asked how a man might rule best, he answered, “Without anger, speaking little, and listening much.” Bias said, “If you hate quick speaking, you will not fall into error.” The tribute was once paid to a great linguist that he could be silent in seven different languages. Many of us would do well to listen more and to speak less. (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press or Logos)

Quick (5036) (tachus) is an adverb which literally means quick, swift, speedy as opposed to slow. The emphasis is on a very brief period of time so that an activity or event occurs with speed or swiftness. There are times when we need to do something quickly, urgently or promptly and James like a flash gives two pithy, but powerful charges—we should be quick to listen, quick to hear.

So first James says let everyone of us be quick to listen to the Word of God itself, quick to listen to what God is saying directly to you in the Bible. Are you doing a through the Bible reading program this year? If you are, the question is "Are you quick to hear" or just quick to get through your required texts for that day? There is a huge difference in those two goals. Robert Morgan tells this story to illustrate the difference...

When I was in college, I had a buddy named Joe who was a close friend to Billy and Ruth Graham. We sat together in chapel and we went to church together in Columbia, and I noticed that Joe carried around a little notebook and took copious notes of all the sermons he heard in church or school. One day I asked him about it. He said that on those weekends when he drove up to Montreat to spend time with the Grahams, he would go to church with them at the little Presbyterian church they attended. The pastor was Calvin Thielman, who is now in heaven. One day after church as he drove home with Billy and Ruth, Joe said, “Man, I almost went to sleep in church today. That was a boring sermon.” To which Billy replied, “Why, Joe, I thought it was a wonderful sermon. I got a lot out of it.” That was a rebuke to Joe, and later he asked Ruth about it. She told him to listen more carefully and to take notes. And I remember seeing Joe in chapel and in church with his little notebook, meticulously taking notes during the sermon, jotting down the outline, the cross-references, and even the stories and illustrations. And it made a huge difference every week. (Pocket Paper)

Our standing attitude is to be quick to listen, which demands an eager, attentive ear, ready to receive and process the word heard. As Kistemaker puts it

Listening is the art of closing one's mouth and opening one's ears and heart.

Tachus is used 18 times in the NT - Matt. 5:25; 28:7, 8; Mk. 9:39; Lk. 15:22; Jn. 11:29; 13:27; 20:4; Acts 17:15; Heb. 13:19, 23; Jas. 1:19; Rev. 2:16; 3:11; 11:14; 22:7, 12, 20

To hear (191) (akouo) means to exercise ones faculty of hearing and can convey the sense of not just listening/hearing but of understanding that which has been heard (eg, 1Co 14:2, Ga 4:21). In some contexts, akouo conveys the sense of to pay careful attention to or to heed (Mt 17:5, Lk 9:35, Acts 3:22).

To hear suggests that there was public reading of the Word as well as oral instruction regarding the Christian faith. We need to listen carefully to make sure we get the message correct.

Warren Wiersbe explains quick to hear by first noting that...

 the Word of God cannot work in our lives unless we receive it in the right way. Jesus not only said, “Take heed what ye hear” (Mark 4:24), but He also said, “Take heed how ye hear” (Luke 8:18). Too many people are in that tragic condition in which “hearing they hear not, neither do they understand” (Matt. 13:13). They attend Bible classes and church services but never seem to grow. Is it the fault of the teacher or the preacher? Perhaps, but it may also be the fault of the hearer. It is possible to be “dull of hearing” (Heb. 5:11) because of decay of the spiritual life.  If the seed of the Word is to be planted in our hearts, then we must obey the instructions James gives us... “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mt 13:9) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Ro 10:17). Just as the servant is quick to hear his master’s voice, and the mother to hear her baby’s smallest cry, so the believer should be quick to hear what God has to say.

Steven Cole sees several "marks" of the heart which is receptive to the Word of truth observing that James'...

first mark of a heart that is receptive to God’s word is that it is quick to hear the word. Jesus told the Jews who disputed with Him (John 8:47),

“He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”

Obviously, these Jews heard the sound of the words that Jesus spoke. They were not deaf. But they did not (and could not, according to Jesus) understand them (John 8:43 "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word."), because they were not born of God. They lacked the ability to hear and understand spiritual truth. As Paul said (1Cor 2:14),

But a natural man does not accept ( = same verb used in ) the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

To be quick to hear God’s word implies an attitude of eagerness to take in the word from every angle. As a believer, you should desire to read the word, to listen to biblical preaching of the word, to memorize the word, and to understand all of its teaching with a view to obedience. The centerpiece of the Bible is Psalm 119, which goes on for 176 verses extolling God’s word and expressing the psalmist’s delight in it. We see his eagerness when he says (Ps 119:131), “I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.” In Psalm 19:10, David said regarding God’s commandments, “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

The apostle Peter says (1Pe 2:2-note), “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, ….” That verse became very vivid to me when as a new father, I made the mistake of holding my newborn daughter with my shirt off. To her, any nipple looked like the source of milk, so she latched onto me with a vengeance! I never made that mistake again!

Evaluate your heart for God’s word. Do you delight in it? Do you long for it and pour over it as a young woman longs for and pours over a love letter from her fiancé who is in another country? What is your attitude when you go to hear the word preached? The Welsh preacher Rowland Hill (1744-1833), as an old man, was visiting with a longtime friend who said, “It is now 65 years since I first heard you preach. I still remember your text and a part of your sermon.” Hill asked, “What part of the sermon do you remember?”

The friend answered, “You said that some people, when they went to hear a sermon, were very squeamish about the delivery of the preacher. Then you said, ‘Supposing you went to hear the will of one of your relatives read, and you were expecting a legacy from him. You would hardly think of criticizing the manner in which the lawyer read the will, but you would be all attention to hear whether anything was left to you, and if so, how much. And that is the way to hear the gospel.’” (Adapted from Spurgeon's Lectures to his Students, condensed and edited by David Otis Fuller [Zondervan], p. 374.) A receptive heart opens the ears to God’s word of truth. (Steven Cole - excellent sermons that read much like commentaries - see James 1:19-21 A Receptive Heart)

In Jeremiah, the LORD derides the faithless house of Jacob for failure to even hear much less heed declaring...

Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not; who have ears, but hear not. (Jeremiah 5:21)

Slow (1021) (bradus) means literally to take a relatively long time or not happening in a short time. By implication it means not hasty, not precipitate and so acting (in this case speaking) with deliberation. Bradus is used only 3 times in the NT - Lk. 24:25; Jas. 1:19

Quick to Judge -

“The people upstairs are very annoying,” complained the tenant. “Last night they stomped and banged on the floor until midnight.”

“Did they wake you?” asked the landlord.

“No,” explained the tenant. “Luckily, I was up playing my tuba.” - Dixie Yarns

To speak (2980)  (laleo) means to make a sound and then to utter words. You have probably heard the saying that God created us with two ears and one mouth, which ought to remind us to listen twice as much as we speak (cf. Pr 10:19; 17:27). In the context of the Word of Truth, James is alluding to those times when we argue with the Word if not audibly, at least in our hearts,  rather than receiving the Word in humility.

William Kelly writes...

we are told also to be "slow to speak." For we have another nature which is self-confident and impulsive; and there do we need to be on our guard, that, knowing ourselves weak, ignorant, and naturally prone to evil, we may look up to God and wait dependently on Him. As born of Him, it is ours to be jealous that we may neither misrepresent nor grieve Him. And therefore are we warned of another danger, when it is added "slow to wrath." How often it is impotent and hasty self-will! We are now sanctified to do His will, to obey as Christ obeyed. There is of course a right occasion for wrath. So the Lord looked round about on those that misused the sabbath to oppose God's grace in an evil world. But we are exhorted to be slow to wrath, and to let it soon be over. "Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the devil" (Ep 4: 26, 27). (Commentary)

Alec Motyer rightly observed that...

The great talker is rarely a great listener, and never is the ear more firmly closed than when anger takes over...slow to speak does not mean ‘never speak’, but ‘speak with due thought and care’. (Ibid)

John MacArthur explains slow to speak this way...

You cannot listen carefully while you are talking, or even while you are thinking about what to say. Many discussions are fruitless for the simple reason that all parties are paying more attention to what they want to say than to what others are saying. In this context, therefore, it seems that slow to speak includes the idea of being careful not to be thinking about one’s own thoughts and ideas while someone else is trying to express God’s. We cannot really hear God’s Word when our minds are on our own thoughts. We need to keep silent inside as well as outside. The primary idea here, however, is that, when the appropriate time to speak does come, what is said should be carefully thought out. When we speak for the Lord, we should have the gravest concern that what we say not only is true but is spoken in a way that both edifies those who hear and honors the Lord in whose behalf we speak. We should pursue every opportunity to read the Word ourselves, to hear it preached and taught, and to discuss it with other believers who love, honor, and seek to obey it. At the same time, we should be cautious, patient, and careful when we have opportunity to preach, teach, or explain it to others. It is doubtless for that reason that James later warns, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). (Macarthur J. James. Moody or Logos)

Instead of opening your mouth to speak when you hear the Word of truth, just open your mouth and pant and long for the Word like the psalmist...

Psalm 119:131 I opened (Lxx = anoigo - see notes on use in Rev 3:20) my mouth wide and panted, (Why did he "pant"?) for I longed for Thy commandments.

The English rendering of the Greek Septuagint translation is...

Psalm 119:131 I opened my mouth, and drew breath: for I earnestly longed (see study of epipotheo; the verb tense is imperfect tense = pictures the psalmist over and over longing) after Thy commandments. (Beloved, does this describe your Christian walk? If not perhaps you might dare to pray this prayer to God, asking Him to give you a desire that pants for and cannot live without His Word of truth and life. When we pray boldly in God's will, we can be assured that He hears us and that He will give us the requests that are in accord with His good and acceptable and perfect will - see 1 John 5:14-15).

Matthew Henry comments on Ps 119:131...

When he was under a forced absence from God's ordinances he longed to be restored to them again; when he enjoyed ordinances he greedily sucked in the word of God, as new-born babes desire the milk. When Christ is formed in the soul there are gracious longings, unaccountable to one that is a stranger to the work.

The degree of that desire appearing in the expressions of it: I opened my mouth and panted, as one overcome with hear, or almost stifled, pants for a mouthful of fresh air. Thus strong, thus earnest, should our desires be towards God and the remembrance of his name, Ps. 42:1, 2. Lk. 12:50.

C H Spurgeon comments on Ps 119:131...

So animated was his desire that he looked into the animal world to find a picture of it. He was filled with an intense longing, and was not ashamed to describe it by a most expressive, natural, and yet singular symbol. Like a stag that has been hunted in the chase, and is hard pressed, and therefore pants for breath, so did the Psalmist pant for the entrance of God's word into his soul. Nothing else could content him. All that the world could yield him left him still panting with open mouth.

For I longed for thy commandments. Longed to know them, longed to obey them, longed to be conformed to their spirit, longed to teach them to others (cp notes on Ezra 7:10). He was a servant of God, and his industrious mind longed to receive orders; he was a learner in the school of grace, and his eager spirit longed to be taught of the Lord.

Panting for holiness. A rare hunger; the evidence of much grace, and the pledge of glory.

Puritan Thomas Manton writes on Ps 119:131...

I opened my mouth, and panted. A metaphor taken from men scorched and sweltered with heat, or from those that have run themselves out of breath in following the thing which they would overtake. The former metaphor expressed the vehemency of his love; the other the earnestness of his pursuit: he was like a man gasping for breath, and sucking in the cool air.

I longed for thy commandments. This is a desire which God will satisfy. "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it": Psalms 81:10.

William Cowper comments on Psalm 119:131...

I opened my mouth, and panted. By this manner of speech, David expresses, as Basil thinks, animi propensionem, that the inclination of his soul was after God's word. For, this opened mouth, Ambrose thinks, is os interioris hominis, the mouth of the inward man, which in effect is his heart; and the, speech notes vehementem animi intensionem, a vehement intension of his spirit, saith Euthymius. Yet shall it not be amiss to consider here how the mind of the godly earnestly affected moves the body also. The speech may be drawn from travellers, who being very desirous to attain to their proposed ends, enforce their strength thereunto; and finding a weakness in their body to answer their will, they pant and open their mouth, seeking refreshment from the air to renew their strength: or as Vatablus thinks, from men exceeding hungry and thirsty, who open their mouth as if they would draw in the whole air, and then pant and sigh within themselves when they find no full refreshment by it. So he expresses it: "My heart burns with so ardent a longing for thy commandments, that I am forced ever and anon to gasp by reason of my painful breathing."

However it be, it lets us see how the hearing, reading, or meditating of God's word wakened in David (Ed note: Some think Psalm 119 was written by the scribe Ezra) a most earnest affection to have the light, joy, grace, and comfort thereof communicated to his own heart. For in the godly, knowledge of good increases desires; and it cannot be expressed how vehemently their souls long to feel that power and comfort which they know is in the word; and how sore they are grieved and troubled when they find it not.

And happy were we, if we could meet the Lord with this like affection; that when he opens his mouth, we could also open our heart to hear, as David here doth... For it is His promise to us all -- "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." (see Ps 81:10 - Spurgeon's note) Let us turn it into a prayer, that the Lord, who opened the heart of Lydia (Acts 16:14), would open our heart to receive grace when He offers by His word to give it.

Henry Melvill writes on Ps 119:131...

There are two ways in which these words may be understood. They may be considered as expressing the very earnest longing of the Psalmist for greater acquaintance with God in spiritual things; and then in saying, "I opened my mouth, and panted," he merely asserts the vehemence of his desire. Or you may separate the clauses: you may regard the first as the utterance of a man utterly dissatisfied with the earth and earthly things, and the second as the expression of a consciousness that God, and God only, could meet the longings of his soul. "I opened my mouth, and panted. "Out of breath, with chasing shadows, and hunting after baubles, I sit down exhausted, as far off as ever from the happiness which has been earnestly but fruitlessly sought. Whither, then, shall I turn? Thy commandments, O Lord, and these alone, can satisfy the desires of an immortal being like myself; and on these, therefore, henceforward shall my longings be turned.

Ross writes that...

Ceaseless talkers may easily degenerate into fierce controversialists

People who fly into a rage
Always make a bad landing.

The Greek noun (orge), here rendered "become angry" implies more than a passing surge of irritation or displeasure. It denotes a strong and persistent feeling of indignation and active anger. Another Greek word, thumos, also means anger. It denotes the turbulent, passionate outburst of anger, whereas the term used here points more to the deliberate, persistent attitude of hostility." In Mt 5:22 the verbal form suggests the persistent harboring of the feeling of resentment.

Human anger is an instinctive reaction against that which is evil and injurious. The feeling of anger is not always wrong (cf. Mk 3:5). The individual who is never aroused and deeply stirred at evil is gravely deficient in moral character. James's words do not forbid all anger, but this instinctive feeling needs careful control lest it blaze forth in unjustified and injurious reactions. The attitude of Scripture is consistently negative toward the indulgence in human wrath." (Ibid)

Anger (3709) (orge from orgaô = to teem, to swell) conveys the picture of a swelling which eventually bursts, and thus describes an anger that proceeds from one’s settled nature.  Orge refers to to an inner, deep resentment that seethes and smolders. What a contrast in heart attitudes between a seething, teeming anger and a heart that pants for the water brooks, desiring to meditate on the Word night and day, taking in the pure milk of the Word like a new born babe does its mother's milk.

MacArthur makes a good point about the danger of the orge type of anger noting that...

It is therefore an anger that only the Lord and the believer know about. Therefore, it is a special danger, in that it can be privately harbored...James’ emphasis here seems to be on those who hear the truth and resent its exposing their personal false ideas or ungodly lifestyles...throughout the history of the church—in fact, throughout the history of fallen mankind—even believers have resented God’s truth and the messenger who brought it...There is, of course, a just anger, a holy indignation against sin, Satan, and anything that dishonors the Lord or assaults His glory. (Macarthur J. James. Moody or Logos)

If we have an angry or argumentative attitude when we hear God's Word of truth that displeases or rebukes or confronts us (cp "all Scripture...is profitable for...for reproof" 2Ti 3:16-note), we are not likely to retain what truth we do hear and then even less likely to be effected by it "for the anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God."

Orge is used 36 times in the NT - Mt 3:7; Mk. 3:5; Lk. 3:7; 21:23; Jn 3:36; Ro 1:18; 2:5, 8; 3:5; 4:15; 5:9; 9:22; 12:19; 13:4, 5; Ep 2:3; 4:31; 5:6; Col. 3:6, 8; 1Th 1:10; 2:16; 5:9; 1Ti 2:8; He 3:11; 4:3; Jas 1:19, 20; Re 6:16, 17; 11:18; 14:10; 16:19; 19:15

Moyer has an excellent, eminently pragmatic comment noting that...

slow to anger is not the same as ‘never be angry’. On the other hand, to say that human anger does not forward God’s righteous purposes is pretty unequivocal. Paul evidences the same duality when he says, ‘Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger’ (Ep 4:26-note). Both writers imply the possibility of a righteous anger; both give a straight warning that anger and sin are never far apart; both counsel great watchfulness. It is an aspect of James’ style to say things bluntly and not to pause to spell out details or make refinements. He contents himself, therefore, with the general truth about human anger. It is not a pure emotion; it is usually heavily impregnated with sin—self-importance, self-assertion, intolerance, stubbornness. Most of us would have to confess that holy anger belongs in a state of sanctification to which we have not attained. James is writing of us and to us: your anger does not bring about the righteous plans of God. It is a salutary reminder and a merited rebuke. At any rate, an angry spirit is never an attentive one. When anger comes in, listening flies out. The courts of men are our drill-ground for the courts of the Lord. Those who would listen to Him must train themselves to be listeners and, to that end, they must covet and cultivate a reticent tongue and a calm temper. For nothing must militate against—rather, everything must be made an adjunct to—that great, fundamental practice, hearing God’s Word. (Ibid) (Bolding added for emphasis)

Guzik adds an interesting thought...

We can learn to be slow to wrath by first learning to be swift to hear and slow to speak. So much of our anger and wrath comes from being self-centered not others-centered. Swift to hear is a way to be others-centered. Slow to speak is a way to be others-centered.

Epp has the following devotional on James 1:19-21...

James wanted all believers to be alert to comprehend the Word of God. This is very important since "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Ro 10:17 -note). The Word of God gives us faith to believe, and when we believe, God creates new life within us.

Many people hear the Word of God, but to some of them it is only words; they do not accept it as the Word of God. What a paradox it is that all creation obeys His Word except we who are made in the image of God and have the ability to choose.

Many people have an extensive knowledge of the Word of God, but they do not really believe what it says, so they do not respond to it as His Word.

We should not be quick to retort when someone has spoken against us. To be quick with an answer can sometimes get us into much trouble.

Consider what the Word of God has to say about these matters.

Proverbs 29:20 says, "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him."

Proverbs 10:19 says, "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."

A rule that should govern our lives is stated in Proverbs 15:1: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

"The soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepth his mouth keepeth his life" (Pr 13:2,3).

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For (1063) (gar) in many passages introduces an explanation and thus it for is always important to take note of and to ask "What is the "for" there for?" In this case the answer is relatively straightforward, the for serving to introduce the reason for the exhortation on anger in James 1:19. In short, anger is not conducive to working out righteousness in our life.

Later in this same epistle James states an essentially opposite truth that...

the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  (James 3:18)

Anger (3709) (orge from orgaô = to teem, to swell) conveys the picture of a swelling which eventually bursts, and thus describes an anger that proceeds from one’s settled nature.  Orge refers to to an inner, deep resentment that seethes and smolders.

Man (435) (andros; English = androgenic) is literally a male, but can refer to a husband and as here can be used more generally as a reference to mankind, speaking of a person.

Not (3756) (ou) means absolutely not.

Achieve (2038) (ergazomai from érgon = work) means to work out, engage in an activity involving considerable expenditure of effort. It was used to describe one toiling energetically and diligently in the vineyard. Ergazomai is present tense indicating habitual activity and when coupled with the absolute negative (ou) asserts an abiding negative fact, one which is always true, that the anger of a man or woman does not bring about a righteous life.

Righteousness (1343) (dikaiosune from díkaios = being proper or right in the sense of being fully justified being in accordance with what God requires) conveys the idea of conforming to a standard or norm. In Biblical terms it is that which is acceptable to God and in keeping with what God is in His holy character. The word righteousness comes from a root word that means “straightness.” It refers to a state that conforms to an authoritative standard. God "drops the plumbline" so to speak when it comes to morals and ethics. And so we see that righteousness is a moral concept. God’s character is obviously the definition and source of all righteousness (what a contrast to the pagan gods who unrighteous behavior is "mythical"!) God is totally righteous because He is totally as He should be. The righteousness of God could be succinctly stated as that which is all that God is, all that He commands, all that He demands, all that He approves, all that He provides (through Christ).

As Hiebert explains righteousness of God...

may be differently understood. Clearly the reference is not to God's own righteousness (possessive genitive), nor does it seem to denote justifying righteousness, a righteousness bestowed by God that places man in right relationship with God (subjective genitive). Rather, the reference is to the upright conduct that God prescribes and demands of man, which meets His approval. Thus the NIV rendering, "The righteous life that God desires." Moo notes that this phrase consistently has this meaning in biblical Greek with the verb "do" (poieo) or "practice" (ergazomai). Such a righteous life is "of God" because it is defined by Him. "Righteousness" is without the article and is qualitative, characterizing a life that is just or right in the eyes of God. Such conduct can only be the product of justifying righteousness...

Human anger never practices the things that God can approve. The verb can also mean that man's wrath never produces or brings about the righteousness that is God-approved. Then the meaning is that whenever man gives way to anger, he never furthers the righteousness he professedly strives for; anger blocks his goal of fostering righteousness. Either view is possible, but the latter seems more probable. Human anger is not an appropriate means for the production of righteousness, even if it professes a conscientious endeavor toward that end. It does not produce the desired righteousness in self or in others. The history of Christendom is replete with examples of this fact. (Ibid)

William Kelly writes that...

A weighty reason is added which calls for explanation, because the similarity of phrase might lead the hasty to confound it with the well known but little understood language of the apostle Paul. The two writers can only be rightly appreciated by giving due weight to their respective aims. In Romans and elsewhere in that apostle's writings, it is God's consistency with what is due to Christ's work in redemption. God therefore justifies him that believes in Jesus according to the value of His atoning death in His sight; and so we are made (or become) that righteousness in Him risen and ascended. But James is occupied with our practical ways in consistency with God's sovereign will in begetting us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruit of His creatures. And He looks for conduct according to that new nature He has given us by faith. Submissiveness of heart becomes us in hearkening to Him, and in avoiding our natural haste of speech and proneness to wrath; for, he adds, man's wrath worketh not God's righteousness. It is practical (righteousness James is describing), not our standing according to Christ's work as in Paul's epistles; and it recalls our Lord in Mt 6: 33, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." This again is not our standing in Christ by virtue of God's righteousness, but the power of His kingdom and character in our souls and ways.

Conduct is bound to be according to relationship; and this flows from what God our Father has already formed by the acting of His own purpose and mind in giving us birth by the word of truth; a fact which it was the more important to press on saints who were used to take their stand on being sprung from Abraham as their father (Ed: Jewish believers). They were now taught how much higher and holier was the new descent; and this not only from God but in the most blessed way which gave full place to the Son as well as the Spirit, and had its title-deed indisputable in the written word. So the Lord had Himself laid down to the Jews, "If ye abide in My word, ye are truly My disciples; and ye shall know the truth; and the truth shall make you free If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (Jn 8:31, 32, 33) How little do souls, that loudly boast of their liberty, suspect that they are bondmen of sin and thus in Satan's chains! Even the believers, whom Christ has set free, are but a kind of first-fruits with an evil nature in no way set aside as a fact by the new nature which is ours through the word and Spirit of God. In view of this we need (by grace) to judge and refuse every working of the old nature (flesh), living on the Living Bread (Jn 6:51) whereof we have eaten, yea, eating His flesh and drinking His blood (Jn 6:53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58), and so living not merely by reason, but on account, of Him, as He did when here below on account of the Father. No character (Ed: Character here = an account, description or representation of any thing, exhibiting its qualities and the circumstances attending it) of life for purity can compare with that which the word of truth conveys. How different and inferior is the being of blood or of flesh's will or of man's will, which we once sadly knew, as our only experience, and still know to be productive, if allowed, only of evil, even since we were born of God! (Commentary)

Robert Morgan sums up the relation between anger and the righteousness of God

Ø A holy life never grows out of an angry spirit.

Ø Bitterness never makes us better.

Ø A hot temper never leads to higher ground.

Ø Positive accomplishments for the Lord are never produced by angry passions. (Pocket Paper)

Pastor Steven Cole explains and then applies the eternal truth in James 1:19-20 writing...

James (James 1:20) gives the reason that we should be slow to anger, “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” If you want to grow in righteousness, stop fighting God’s word and submit to it.

As I’ve mentioned before, for me this was the key in coming to understand and accept the doctrine of election. As a college student, I used to fight Paul (so I thought—actually, I was fighting God!). I would wrestle with Romans 9, up to verse 19, where he says, “You will say to me then, ‘Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?’” I thought, “Yeah, Paul, answer that question for me!”

But then, I thought, he cops out. His answer (Ro 9:20, 21) is,

“On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and an-other for common use?”

That answer made me angry.

Then one day as I was boxing with Paul, the Lord tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I gave you the answer very plainly. You just don’t like it!” I went, “Gulp!” With Job (Job 42:2, 6), I said,

“I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted…. Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes.”

That is the only attitude if you want to have a receptive, teachable heart before God.

Before I leave James 1:19-20, I want to apply it also to our personal relationships. I have seen the sin of anger rip apart Christian families and churches. Unbridled anger is a devastating sin that always creates distance in relationships. It destroys your children. It never accomplishes anything good. You might as well throw a bomb into your living room while your family is sitting there!

Jesus labeled anger as the root sin behind murder (Mt 5:21,22 - see notes Mt 5:21; 22). Before Cain committed the first murder in history, God con-fronted him with the question (Ge 4:6),

“Why are you angry?”

It’s not a bad question to ask yourself when you’re angry. Paul warned that unchecked anger gives the devil a foothold in your life (see notes Ephesians 4:26; 27). And yet it is tolerated in many homes and churches. I have known Christian husbands and fathers who abuse their families with angry words and behavior. I have known of pastors who bully others with anger in an attempt to control the church.

Sure, we excuse it as hereditary or justify it as “righteous anger.” But you can pretty much assume that it is not righteous! It almost always stems from selfishness or pride: I didn’t get my way, and I want my way, and I’m going to threaten everyone around me until I get my way! But we need to listen to what James says: “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”

Paul clearly labels

“enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, [and] factions” as deeds of the flesh (Gal 5:20 - note).

He warns,

“that those who practice (present tense = as their routine lifestyle) such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal 5:21 -note)

That’s a radical warning! Take it to heart!

If you can’t make it through a week without taking a drink, you need to face reality: You’re an alcoholic! You’re addicted to the stuff. If you can’t make it through a week without yelling, name-calling, throwing things, threats, or giving your mate the silent treatment, you’re an angry person. You need to face the problem and take drastic steps to root it out of your life if you want to inherit the kingdom of God! Begin by confronting it on the thought level. If you’re thinking angry thoughts against your mate or children or parents or ________ (fill in the blank), you’re already sinning against God and against them. Cut it off at the thought level by judging your sin and putting on a heart of compassion, forgiveness, and love (Col 3:12, 13, 14, - see notes Colossians 3:12; 13; 14).