Words are Powerful

In this passage, James is talking to the early Christian church but his words are still relevant for us today. If we switch the passage around, it states that we can be slow to anger by first learning to be quick to hear and slow to speak. In most cases when we get angry, it comes from a place of self-centeredness instead of being “others-centric”. We let out what we feel rather than thinking about what the other person may be feeling. 

To be quick to hear means that we listen to people and always hear what they have to say before we react to the way we feel. When we listen carefully and focus, we will be able to understand the situation and better discern what is going on. 

James further reminds us that we must be slow to speak. As the Word of God tells us, words are powerful (James 3:2-5) and gentle words bring life and health (Proverbs 15:4) and turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). In life, it can be easy to just say what we think and this can lead us into uncomfortable situations. Let us be people who listen first and think about what to say so that we may build up, encourage and help people through the words that we speak to them.  

James also states that when we are angry, this does not produce the righteousness of God. Anger can be very unattractive and can cause many arguments, disputes, and broken friendships and relationships. This is something that God does not want for us. The more we look to Christ and spend time with him in his word, the more we will become gentle in our words and actions.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray throughout this day that I am gentle in all that I do and say. That when I meet people and spend time with them I am gentle. I pray the more I spend time with you Lord and seek you, that I will become gentle with my words and actions. In Jesus' name. Amen.