Quick to Listen

by Brian Young

"My brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." — James 1:19-22

Ready: A mentor once reminded me that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. As a small-mouth fishing guide in West Virginia, he would often say that you can learn what’s around the bend of the river simply by listening. This applies to our spiritual lives, too. James encourages the church to listen closely to God’s Word before rushing into action. It’s easy to allow our emotions to take over, causing us to speak impulsively. But James challenges us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. He also calls us to rid ourselves of moral filth and humbly receive the truth of the Bible. This is key to living out God’s righteousness.

Aim: James 1:19-22

Fire: We’ve all said things we regret. Ask God to help you be quick to listen and slow to speak. Identify personal habits that will help you spend more time in God’s Word and let it shape your actions.