Read

James 1:19-21

¹⁹My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. ²⁰Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.

²¹So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.

Reflect

How many times have we experienced someone speaking too soon? Maybe we’ve even done that ourselves. A common saying is that “we have two ears and one mouth for a reason”. That’s a quick way to say what James was trying to tell us. When James says that we should be quick to listen, it carries with it the understanding that we should not only listen but understand. True communication never takes place unless the person who hears, understands. Understanding is important because if we have to respond verbally, it is important that we know what we are speaking of. As it relates to our relationship with God, we should be humble and teachable. If we are busy speaking instead of listening, we may be unable to receive the full wisdom of God.

Respond

Have you ever felt like a fool because you spoke too soon? How would have listening more helped that situation?

What benefits do we receive by getting rid of all filth and evil?

What is the message God planted in your heart?

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