The Epistle of James is a wonderful piece of Scripture full of great advice for the believer.
I know some people question if it should be in the Bible (Luther included) but I really like reading it.
Some of it sounds like good common sense as well as Biblical truth, take James 1 v 19 for example.
It tells us to be quick to listen but slow to speak and slow to anger.
Sometimes when we hear a person speak we are too eager in our response, speaking out before we really understand what the person is saying.
Sometimes we react in a negative and angry way having misunderstood what is being said.
Can you identify with that? I know I can!
I heard a preacher talking about this verse one time saying we need to listen more than speaking; that is why we have two ears and one mouth he said.
I found that quite funny, but it is an important truth.
A lot of the time we do not listen enough, we do not understand, before we respond.
Taking time out before we speak will leave time to better understanding and will lead, I believe, to less wrath and anger.
So next time that you are ready with a response (especially before the other person has stopped talking), take some time to listen and be slow to speak; this may result in you being slow to wrath.
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for your council and your advice that we can receive freely from your Word”
James 1 v 19…..Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath
Heilan Word Ministries 