Today, we continue in our series on the epistle of James by examining verses 19-27 of the first chapter. I like the translation of verses 19 & 20 which reads: "This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."

The first thing we need to review from James is: exactly what are we supposed to know? What is already assumed?

We know that James is speaking to a group of believers of whom he is fond because he writes, "My dear brothers . . ."

However, James is a wise veteran of life. He knows the battle that takes place between the flesh and the spirit. He shares the ''but'' word. Whenever I hear a conversation and someone says, "but" I know the story is not over. James has mo…