Slow Is Not Weak

Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Notice the order, and notice that only the first one is meant to be fast. Most people who quote this verse are quoting it at somebody else, which is a small demonstration of the problem. Arguments are rarely lost for want of a good answer. They are lost because the answer was finished before the other person was. Holding a sentence takes more strength than letting it go. James writes to scattered congregations under real pressure, and he treats their anger as genuine. He asks them to be slow with it anyway.