Slow and Cautious
Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:19
Many may have heard the saying: “You have two ears and one mouth so that you may listen more and talk less.” This is an adage that each needs to apply on a daily basis. How often we speak more quickly than we should! How often we speak before we think! How often we reach the point of anger because we have not really listened! Another maxim is worth considering: “Put head in gear before putting mouth in motion.” When James said ‘be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger’ he may have had these thoughts in mind, and he left us with a few important lessons.
Many may have heard the saying: “You have two ears and one mouth so that you may listen more and talk less.” This is an adage that each needs to apply on a daily basis. How often we speak more quickly than we should! How often we speak before we think! How often we reach the point of anger because we have not really listened! Another maxim is worth considering: “Put head in gear before putting mouth in motion.” When James said ‘be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger’ he may have had these thoughts in mind, and he left us with a few important lessons.
1. Listen attentively. It is important that you take time to listen to others so that you may really hear what they are saying. Frequently misunderstandings occur because persons have not been paying adequate attention. Many go away with the wrong concept and do not bother to seek clarification. Sometimes instructions are not understood because persons have not listened. This can be very detrimental.
2. Think before you speak. It is often not wise to say the first thing that comes to mind – think it through first. What impact will it have on the situation or on others? Even if it is true, is it the kindest or most polite thing to say? Should you pass on the story you just heard? Remember, ‘the truer the story the greater the libel’!
3. Be calm. Some of the synonyms used for ‘calm’ are ‘peaceful, unruffled, still’. Anger comes when persons cannot exercise calm – when they become ruffled and have little desire for stillness. It often leads to a lack of or a break in peace. Whilst it may at times be inevitable, it is important that being angry is not the first reaction. Always be sure that your anger is warranted.
Within this admonition is a progression that is very useful. Those who listen attentively usually have less cause to become angry, and those who think before they speak often have a lesser tendency to become angry. Therefore follow the admonition, depending on God for the strength to maintain it. The result will be better relations and a better life.
Prayer: Lead me always, O God, to that place of quiet reflection before I embark upon any reaction or response. May I always be ‘quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger’. Amen.
2. Think before you speak. It is often not wise to say the first thing that comes to mind – think it through first. What impact will it have on the situation or on others? Even if it is true, is it the kindest or most polite thing to say? Should you pass on the story you just heard? Remember, ‘the truer the story the greater the libel’!
3. Be calm. Some of the synonyms used for ‘calm’ are ‘peaceful, unruffled, still’. Anger comes when persons cannot exercise calm – when they become ruffled and have little desire for stillness. It often leads to a lack of or a break in peace. Whilst it may at times be inevitable, it is important that being angry is not the first reaction. Always be sure that your anger is warranted.
Within this admonition is a progression that is very useful. Those who listen attentively usually have less cause to become angry, and those who think before they speak often have a lesser tendency to become angry. Therefore follow the admonition, depending on God for the strength to maintain it. The result will be better relations and a better life.
Prayer: Lead me always, O God, to that place of quiet reflection before I embark upon any reaction or response. May I always be ‘quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger’. Amen.
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