For James, the one who is wise uses speech to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). The mature person is one who is slow to speak (James 1:19), who confesses sin to others (James 5:16), and who speaks out in prayer (James 5:13–18). James calls for speech that is truthful and intent on redemption for those who have failed (James 5:19–20), and speech that is humble and submissive to God’s providence (James 4:15). James looks for speech that sings praise to God (James 5:13).
