August 23
Quick to Listen,
Slow to Speak
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Daily Steps
To counteract the destructive power of words (Day 235), the new believer needs a clear strategy for engaging with others. This verse provides the essential, three-part formula for social and spiritual wisdom: quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
The peace in this principle is found in controlled engagement:
The Priority of Listening: The first command is to be quick to listen. This is a deliberate, active choice to value the other person's perspective over your own need to respond or interrupt. Prioritizing listening is an act of humility (Day 234) and respect, which is foundational to securing relational peace.
The Restraint of Speech: The second command is to be slow to speak. This is the application of self-control (Day 183) to the tongue. Speaking slowly gives you time to think, ensuring your words are gracious, truthful, and contribute to righteousness rather than conflict.
The Danger of Anger: These two commands are directly linked to the third: slow to become angry. The reason is critical: human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Uncontrolled anger is often fueled by a refusal to listen or a quick, rash response, and it actively destroys the sincere love (Day 217) required in community.
Your peace is secured by controlled response. Embrace the wisdom to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, knowing that this simple formula guarantees a path away from conflict and toward the righteousness that secures lasting peace.
Reflective Question
In what recent situation were you slow to listen and quick to speak, resulting in unnecessary anger or conflict? What practical step can you take today to pause for just five seconds before speaking, allowing your response to be slow and seasoned with wisdom?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my impulsiveness and my tendency to let anger derail my interactions. I pray for the wisdom and discipline to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Secure my peace today by giving me the self-control to live in a way that produces the righteousness You desire, especially in challenging conversations. Amen.
