James 1:19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
The control of our tongue and our temper are two areas of our lives that seem more difficult to control than others. Pastor James will demand that we MAINTAIN control of both. Just as the Book of Proverbs repeatedly addressed these two areas, Pastor James will address these two areas multiple times.
Starting with the TONGUE, he implores us to use our EARS. It has been said that “God gave us two ears and one mouth so we ought to listen twice as much as we speak.” James would agree with that. Being “swift to hear” means INTENTIONAL LISTENING. In other words, Less talking; More listening!
Being SWIFT to hear is being THOUGHTFUL. So many of us are SWIFT to SPEAK. Drawing from Proverbs we are reminded NOT to be QUICK TO ANSWER (SPEAK)! Proverbs 18:13 says, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
THUS to control the tongue be swift to HEAR with the EAR! Be THOUGHTFUL!
Then we are to be “slow to speak.” This is a call to be CAREFUL with our words. Remember that the tongue, though small (James 3:5) can spark a huge fire bringing all kinds of destruction. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Are you being CAREFUL with what your little tongue says? Is your mind engaged before your mouth speaks?
So, be slow to TALK with your TONGUE! Be CAREFUL!
James now says, “Be slow to wrath.” Like our tongue, our TEMPER can get us in so much trouble. Recall Proverbs 14:17. It says, “A man with a quick temper acts foolishly.” Have you ever done something stupid because of LOSING your temper?
The self-control of our temper is crucial. Proverbs 25:28 gives this picture to ponder: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” We must rule our reaction! We don’t want to lose the cow over spilled milk. Enacting self-control of our reaction means doing the opposite of what you are feeling. Instead of getting mad, show mercy.
Therefore, be slow to explode with your TEMPER! Be MERCIFUL!
Continue Strong with self-control of your tongue and temper,
And Remember to Date the Word