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 to be more difficult to control than other areas. Pastor James will challenge us by demanding that we maintain control of both. Just as the Book of Proverbs over and over addressed these two areas multiple times 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.” I think 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! Proverbs 18:13 says, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
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 it is 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?
Do you have a filter on your mouth? For those who might need some help here, I suggest:
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers
Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
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 as it says, “A man of 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.
Be slow to explode with your temper! Be merciful!
Failure to maintain our tongue and our temper could be disastrous!
Continue Strong under control,
And remember to DATE the Word