James 1:19 is certainly a verse that each of us ought to memorize. It is one of those verses that we need to hide in our heart, so that we sin against the Lord less (Psa. 119:11). There is much to emphasize in the verse, including where we often focus—be “slow to speak” and “slow to anger.” But before those two instructions is this—“be quick to hear.”
Would you say that you are “quick to hear”? That is not saying, “Be quiet.” That is necessary and productive, but it is not equivalent to “hearing.” Someone can be quiet without hearing the other person. “Quick to hear” is not saying, “Just wait your turn. Wait until the other person stops talking.” Again, that is necessary and productive, but it is not equivalent to “hearing.” If I am thinking about what I am going to say while the other person is talking, that is not “hearing.”
Truly “hearing” someone involves active listening, giving eye contact, thinking about what is being said, showing respect. Question: Are you “quick” to do all that?