LEARNING DAILY

James 1:19-21, Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

One’s walk in faith begins with accepting Jesus Christ as Savior; it continues and grows as the Believer makes Him their Lord and walks consistently with Him on the narrow way into eternity. This walk is one that consistently shows our faith in Jesus Christ through our conversations and actions. Perhaps what James writes about being “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” is an emphasis that every Believer should observe in their life. Warning: Some might be as uncomfortable reading this as I am writing it.

When reading these verses, I get the feeling James is writing that we might all do better if we listen more than we speak. Do not misunderstand what James is writing though; he is not writing that we should not speak, but we should think about what we are going to say before blurting out words we would like to take back. Would it not be best to hear the entire thought of another before speaking, giving unwanted or wrong advice? Perhaps taking more time to speak is believing God is in control and by taking time to speak, we might better understand and give a proper response. Read what Proverbs 10:19 has to say. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (New Living Translation). The thought is a wise person knows when to not talk rather than say something that might be regretted. I know you have heard someone say they “had to bite their tongue” to keep from speaking.

Yes, our mouths get us into trouble! I know that I learn a lot when I listen – which some of you might find hard to believe. Those who like to talk are hard to teach; they seem to know everything and want everyone else know it. There is another old saying that applies here: “It is better to remain silent and thought to be a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt. The idea is to hear the entire thought of another before speaking. Maybe even take a moment to think about a response or what needs to be said before talking. Good listening is active and is important in engaging affective communication.

When one is slow to listen and quick to speak, it might be because the individual desires to speak so he/she gets their own way. It might be a control issue and when he/she feels control is being lost. The result is anger. Again, this is not a command to never get angry. The thought is to control our anger and not let it control you. Speaking from experience, anger does not work! Oh, it might be effective in getting our own way, but it does not contribute anything to the righteousness of God! Anger may cause one to get their own way, but it can come at a high price to the one who cannot control himself.  

“Therefore” James writes Believers, those who trust God, are to do something. They are to “put away” sin. This is a choice each day. It means choosing to do good instead of evil. It means taking the time to listen before we speak, taking control of our speaking. It means choosing to serve God instead of ourselves and watching what we say so our words do not come out in anger.

What better way to show those around us the love of Christ than “being quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger!”