Quick to Listen Slow to Speak
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19
Christians should be quick to listen and slow to speak, because our words should come from the Spirit. Our words should be guided by Christ to lift others up, and we should be in control of our emotion and speak the truth from the Word with a positive attitude toward others.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3) When we minister to people, we see them more significant than self, because how can we minister to others if we look down at them? Christ always had self-control and he always spoke the truth with a caring heart, and we should have self-control and speak the truth.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) Christians speak from the Spirit and not from there fleshly emotions, and it might time to respond from the Spirit. It’s important to take time to speak because we can never take our words back, and that’s why the Lord tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. (Proverbs 17:27) We should always think before we speak, so we can use our words wisely; and we should have a cool spirit so we can lift others up. A Christian should always seek to control their words and their emotions, just as Jesus did.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) If we are to be like Christ, and we must do our best to control our words so they are pleasing to the Lord; and the meditation of our hearts which is our thoughts, should be pleasing to the Lord.
Today be quick to listen and slow to speak, and use your words carefully so they are pleasing to the Lord.
Prayer: Father, help me to always listen to others and have wisdom with my words and thoughts. In Jesus name, Amen