Bible Reading
James 1:19-20Verse of the Day
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”James 1:19-20 (NKJV)
Be swift to hear; that is, offer a listening ear. Often, when anger rages, you’re not patient enough to listen. You just want to go off. This will make you easily provoked. Listen to the explanation, hear all sides and most importantly, sit quietly and listen to the Holy Spirit.
Be slow to speak; having listened, you now need to choose your words carefully. Words once spoken cannot be retrieved. You must be careful to say things that will not further escalate the situation or damage the person you're speaking to.
“A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
Be slow to wrath; Anger often feels justified in the moment. You may have felt disrespected, misunderstood, or hurt. But when anger takes control, it leads to words and actions that don’t represent God. It pushes you to respond in a way that brings regret, not righteousness.
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
Someone once said that we have 2 ears and one mouth because we’re supposed to listen twice as much as we speak.
Think about a recent situation where you felt provoked or irritated. How did you respond? Did you listen well, choose your words carefully, and stay in control of your anger?
Ask God to help you grow in patience. Ask Him to teach you to listen more, speak with care, and stay calm even when it’s difficult. Pray for a heart that is not easily provoked, and for the discipline to respond in a way that reflects Him.
Share
Reflection
What faithful step is God inviting you to take through this Scripture today?
Where can this word reshape your prayers, your pace, or the way you respond to others?
Comments
No comments yet. Start the conversation with a short reflection.
Related
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Faith“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”Psalm 147:1-5
Love“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Faith“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”Romans 15:4-13
Guidance“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”James 1:5-8
Peace“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”Philippians 4:4-7
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”1 Peter 2:9
“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”Isaiah 55:11
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”Isaiah 53:5