Some people are good listeners. Some not so much. Many like to hear themselves talk. I have often said, “God gave us two ears and one mouth. Get the message? We should listen twice as much as we talk.”
Do you know people who talk too much? Sometimes it’s hard to get a word In edgewise because they are talking so much and sometimes so fast. Sometimes all you have to do is say an occasional “uh huh” and they just continue on. Don’t misunderstand me, there are times when people we know need to vent. That is a very important time to just be there for them. Be a shoulder to lean on. Provide a listening ear. However for the sake of this blog post I am not referring to these people but rather to those who just talk all the time.
Do you know people who are angry? They fly off the handle at things they have no control over. The anger they react with makes no sense and often concerns others around them. You, perhaps, have heard of people so angry they hit walls, they yell and in extreme cases they hit others. They have an issue with anger management. They have a problem with self control.
James addresses these issues. He does so quite clearly, I might add.
James 1:19-20 CSB
[19] My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, [20] for human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.
We should be quick to listen. This is an unusual command, with almost a trace of humor in it. It’s like saying, “Hurry up and listen!” It means that we should be ready to hear the word of God, as well as all godly counsel and admonition. We should be teachable by the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 13:3 CSB
The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
Proverbs 10:19 CSB
When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.
Even Solomon made it abundantly clear. Compulsive talkers eventually transgress. It is imperative we be mindful of our words. Words mean things. Even how we say them.
We should be slow to anger. A man who is quick-tempered does not produce the kind of righteousness which God expects from His children. Those who lose their temper give people a wrong impression about Christianity. It is still true what Solomon said in Proverbs 16:32.
Proverbs 16:32 Amplified
He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.
God wants us to have the best life possible. A life filled with love, compassion, and self control. Incidentally, self control is a Fruit of the Spirit that should be a part of each believer’s life.
Let’s be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Let’s cooperate with God as He does His work in us.
Until next time...enjoy the journey!
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