God's Glory Church

“Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” — James 1:19

A close friend made harsh accusations against me. My heart was ready to burst out of my chest and I already opened my mouth to refute her words. What I posted on the Internet had nothing to do with her, but somehow she took it to heart. Before I began to speak, I whispered a prayer. Peace came to my soul, and suddenly I felt the pain that was hidden behind her accusations. It became clear that everything was more serious than it seemed. My friend was in pain, and the urge to fight back suddenly disappeared. I wanted to help her.

So I understood what James meant when he called us to be quick to listen, but slow to speak and to anger (James 1:19). Listening will help us understand what is behind the words and refrain from anger, which “does not do the truth of God” (v. 20). We will be able to look into the heart of the speaker. Pause and prayer helped me restore my relationship with my friend. I became more sensitive to her words, and not to my offense. Maybe if I hadn’t stopped and prayed, I would have said something that I would later regret.

And although I don’t always succeed in following Jacob’s instructions, I think I succeeded that day. Pause and prayer became the key to listening more and talking less. Anger and resentment could not take over my heart. I pray that God will give me the wisdom to do so more often (Prov. 19:11).

Did Jacob’s teaching help you? How can you apply it today?

Merciful God, help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger.

Author: Katara Patton