May 2
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LISTEN MORE, SPEAK LESS & REACT SLOW
19 You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
– James 1:19-21
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In this letter, James addresses the importance of listening. This is a very timely issue even in our current world today. In a world that propagates the self, there is very little effort placed on listening and being quiet and not attract attention. I’d like to bring you to Solomon’s view about the importance of listening and being slow to speak and slow to get angry that James is emphasizing in this letter.
• Proverbs 17:28 -Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. – Don’t we respect people who are not noisy?
• Proverbs 12:15-The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. -Don’t we loathe a “know-it-all” and who are stubborn and don’t listen?
• Proverbs 18:2 -A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. – Don’t we want to run away from talkers who don’t even think what they say?
• Proverbs 15:1 -A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. -Doesn’t our anger deflect when someone is gentle and soft?
• Proverbs 10:19 – When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. -When we talk much, don’t we open our lips to error?
In verse 20, James further explains that anger doesn’t manifest God’s righteousness. James agrees with Paul in Ephesians 4:26 when he said that we can be angry but not do it sinfully. God gave us anger so we can use it for bringing people into righteousness, not to call attention to ourselves.
In verse 21, James gives us an antidote to all unrighteousness and evil deeds: by humbly receiving the word of truth that will always lead us to the narrow path to the Kingdom of God.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think people nowadays have a deficit in listening and have an abundance in talking and getting attention for themselves and being angry?