Slow Your Anger

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.—James 1:19-20

Being quick to listen and slow to speak seem to be more difficult for some people than others. An introvert may be contemplative and listen to all the details before giving an opinion. An extrovert may have to exert serious focus to hold an opinion while listening to others first. Regardless of the personality types involved, conversations can quickly turn into arguments, unless everyone receives a fair opportunity to participate in the discussion. Introverts may shut down; extroverts may lash out; but anger is not specific to personality. We all stop listening, get angry, and react at some point.

James gives us great wisdom on this topic: to “be quick to listen, slow to speak” (1:19). But he doesn’t end there. The second part of this Scripture completes the thought. We need to be “slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (1:19-20). Some people will always be ready to give an opinion, rather than to listen. Some people will ignore everyone else and do their own thing. We should be cautious in choosing anger as a solution, despite our frustration.

Leadership Challenge: Read James 1

Concentrate prayer on recent conversations you’ve had. Have you given too many opinions or blocked out others? Has anger stirred inside you? Consider how you can improve these interactions and set goals to do so. Place a date beside each goal and look for opportunities to slow yourself, release anger, and humbly enact your plan. You might just make it through the conversation, rekindle a friendship, or develop a new one.