So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
(James 1:19 NKJV)
What is your immediate response to bad news? In the moment when you are transported in less than a split second from the mountain top to the valley. Depending on the intensity of the trial, we often speak swiftly, but James says we should be swift to hear.
Some of us pray. That’s great, but James is suggesting that our ears should be inclined to the Lord. Perhaps the word we should utter to God is “Speak.”
Some of us react by questioning God. Most of our difficulties seem senseless because God’s ways are different and higher than ours. If we understood why, we would be on God’s level.
Sometimes, we protest both directly and indirectly to God. We complain. We demand God fix this, but our voices drown out what God is saying.
Repeat after me; I will listen to God before I open my mouth. And just so we don’t begin talking too soon, James reminds us to be slow to speak. James wants us to listen for a good while before we open our mouths. We need time to hear from God, confirm what He says, and heed His words. Perhaps our first words should include a plea for wisdom, because James has already told us we need wisdom in our trials (James 1:5).
Finally, be slow to anger. Many folks get mad at God when life takes an unexpected twist. Our confusion, disappointment and frustration add to our wrath. Perhaps, in some cases, our anger is directed toward another person. Don’t let hurtful words you can never retrieve escape your lips. Don’t react harshly, making decisions you will later regret.
I must admit, I never realized these qualities were vital for handling a trial. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, James penned these commands to help us. Suffering ran rampant in James’ day, and today isn’t any different.
Have you ever regretted your silence or do you tend to regret your words?
I’ve never regretted my silence, but I regret many words.
Then, just to keep these thoughts in the forefront of his readers minds, James discusses the evils of our tongues. It is compared to a destructive fire spreading its flame. The tongue is like a poisonous bite from a snake or a spider. The tongue is untamed. The tongue blesses God but also curses men who are made in the image of God. It displays its bitter source – the heart.
Will you stand with me on this, or at least give it a good try? Zip our lips. Listen. Pause before speaking, and let your wrath dissolve before the sun sets.
Lord, carve these words into my heart. Seal my lips, only allowing grace to slip through. I will not understand Your ways, but I can trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
When people talk, are you really listening, or are you thinking about what you should say? Let’s slow down to listen first. Then pause to consider our thoughts before speaking.
RELATED RESOURCE
The most important conversation we have each day is prayer. Revive your prayer life with this devotional, Incense Rising: 60 Days to Powerful Prayer. Learn more here.
Originally posted on July 31, 2020 @ 3:00 am