Jam 1:19-20, 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
Our natural strengths fail us in taming our tongues. The need to speak our minds or have the last word are clear signs of its drive to unleash. The nature of our victory solely lies in bringing ourselves under the obedience of Christ as we pray earnestly to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
The book of Proverbs provides good counsel for our living, Pro 12:18, “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise PROMOTES HEALTH”. Pro 15:2, “The tongue of the wise USES KNOWLEDGE RIGHTLY, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness”
Paul’s advice to Timothy along these lines is seen in 2Tim 2:23-25 “23 But AVOID foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be GENTLE TO ALL, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth”. God gives wisdom to them that are swift to hear and seeks wisdom in prayer and the word before they speak.
One reply on “Swift To Hear, Slow To Speak”
Amen, Evans. Excellent counsel to be held in our hearts and minds.