“Quick to Hear”

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19–21, NASB95)

Verse 19 is a favorite verse of mine in counseling because it works in two incredible ways. The first, and primary one, is in relation to our hearing from God before responding to others or even trials in our own lives. When we take the time to listen to Him and reflect on His truths hidden in our hearts (Psalm 119:1,11), we recognize in that moment how good, loving, powerful, faithful and wise He is. It is in looking to Him for His wisdom and trusting in His strong hand that we then can rest in Him in any situation, respond in His ways, and rest in His peace. It is this peace of His that we receive that calms our hearts and holds back our own anger. It is in relying on Him and what we know of Him that He works in us to lift our worries, bring the healing to our bodies and the refreshment to our bones that we read about in Proverbs 3:8 or the rescue which gives rest for our souls.

Of course, we also know that the wisdom of verse 19 works in our human relations as well. When we take the time to really hear not only what is being said but also pay attention to the heart, then we are better prepared to respond in a right and proper way which heads off the likelihood that the situation will lead to further exasperation and heightened anger on our part or others.

This was originally included in Sherman County eNews Spiritual Matters on May 17, 2019