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
How quick are we to give an opinion or proffer our observation? How eager are we to hold our tongues, listen, and discern, like a cautious child crosses the street? More times than we realize or care to admit, our tongues run away with our hearts, and we find ourselves saying dishonoring statements.
This need to be right and to be heard comes from a selfish and unbelieving heart. If we truly believed that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, then why do we jump in and verbally take the reins? Perhaps, though we confess it with our mouths, we do not believe the Lord is at work in the matter.
Ask the Lord to empty you of words and thoughts that do not glorify and honor Him. We need forgiveness when we have spoken harshly, acted foolishly, and disobeyed. Our disobedience is a great grievance and it does hurt our Father, like a disobedient child who strays from her parents. As scripture says, the wrath of man does not produce righteousness. We need help to resist the temptation of gossip and slander. Ask the Lord to teach you how to be slow to speak and quick to listen.
Lord, I admit I am quick to speak and slow to listen. Forgive me for this, Lord. I have hurt many with my words. Father, help me listen and learn, rather than jump to conclusions. Amen.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2017 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Lydia Mindling.