1. Righteousness God desires (19-21)

People are often quick to speak their mind. But Christians should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Human anger can lead us to sin against others and against God. Instead of living by our feelings, we must rid ourselves of moral filth and then humbly accept the word of God. This produces the righteousness God desires.

2. Look intently into the word of God (22-27)

Listening to God's word is only half of what we should do. We are to also do what God's word says. Merely listening to God's word without any practical response is like looking into a mirror and then immediately forgetting what we look like. The word of God functions like a spiritual mirror into our hearts. We see what is there, how to repent and what to do. Then we can, for example, control our speech and look after orphans and widows. This is religion that God our Father accepts.