Deadly Poison

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20 NKJV

Have you ever heard the saying, “God gave you two ears but only one mouth so you can listen more than you speak!” I have heard this saying growing up more times than I can count. I’ve even said it to my children more times than they can count. However, listening more and speaking less has always been an area of struggle for me. Friend, especially in my marriage!

What about you? Do you tend to have moments where you lose your temper before you realize what has happened? Do you tend to struggle, like I do, with speaking more than you listen?

For the next week, I’d like to encourage you to focus on our key verse. “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

When the situation rises to lose our tempers, let’s challenge ourselves to do the following:

  • Be fast (swift) to hear – (this means make “listening” our very first priority in a situation)

  • Be slow to speak

  • Be slow to anger (wrath)

Why is this formula so important? We find the answer in verse 20.

“For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Period. Nothing good comes from us losing our temper and spiraling out of control. God isn’t glorified and lives aren’t changed for His kingdom. James 3:8 tells us the tongue is full of deadly poison. Before we realize it, our words can be lethal and ruin relationships and our testimony. Sweet friend, let’s live in a way that will glorify God in our words and in our actions.

God,

Thank you for teaching me how I need to conduct myself in my marriage and in all my relationships. You are so faithful to give us everything that we need to live a life that glorifies you and draws us closer to you. Help me in this area of struggle. Help me to see when I need to listen more than I speak. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Dig Deeper:

“Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.” James 3:5 NKJV

 

Reflection:

Will you join me in mediating and reflecting on James 1:19-20 over the next week?

Ask God to show you where you need to listen more and speak less.

MarriageRachel Perdueconflict, anger, relationshipsComment