These words invite us to move at a different pace—one marked by restraint, humility, and intention. Listening well is an act of respect. It requires us to pause our inner commentary and truly attend to another person’s story, pain, or perspective. Being slow to speak doesn’t mean silence; it means discernment. Words have weight. Once spoken, they cannot be retrieved. And then there is anger. Human anger, James reminds us, does not accomplish God’s righteousness.