Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
Do you know someone who is careful and intentional with their words? When I think about this type of person, I think about the late children's show host Fred Rogers. He spoke slowly, carefully, and deliberately. It does not take long to conclude that he knew his words' impact, and He spoke carefully as a result.
Throughout Scripture, we can read warnings about being careful with our words. Some of the most well-known passages of Scripture come from the book of James. James, the half-brother of Jesus and author of the book of James wrote in Chapter 1, "You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" (verse 19). He began this instruction with a call to be quick to listen because we can only be slow to speak if we are quick to listen. Listening is vital when it comes to being slow to speak because it helps us truly listen to people and understand where they are coming from. When we understand where people are coming from, we are less likely to speak harsh or angry words because we have compassion and empathy. Listening before speaking also keeps us from rushing to judgment. It keeps us from having a lot of regrets. Proverbs 21:23 says it this way, "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." When we live out this instruction from Scripture to be careful with our words, we honor God and avoid the trouble our tongues often get ourselves in.
If we're honest, being quick to listen and slow to speak is much easier said than done. It is easy to talk about living this way but being slow to speak and quick to listen takes practice and discipline. If we want to follow this instruction, we must be careful with our words. It may be challenging, but we will never regret being careful with our words and slow to speak.
Write down James 1:19 on a notecard. Place it on your bedside table. Then, each morning, read this verse. Let it remind you to speak slowly and carefully, knowing the impact of your words. After you read the verse, ask God to use your words throughout your day.
Proverbs 1:21-27
"She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate:22 "How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded?How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?23 Come and listen to my counsel.I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.
24 "I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.25 You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you-27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you."
©2024 Sagebrush Church
