12 October 2005 Devotion for Today "Be Slow to Speak" James 1:19-20

 

12 October 2005  Devotion for Today  “Be Slow to Speak”  James 1:19-20

 

¹⁹ So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  James 1:19-20

 

At Southwestern seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. William Tolar’s Biblical Hermeneutics class was one of my favorites.  An energetic Cajun from Louisiana, Dr. Tolar rattled off more information in one minute than most people could give in an hour.  I never saw him read from any of his notes.  His classes were always interesting, but one had to pay careful attention and write furiously as he spoke.  Finally, an exasperated student raised his hand and said, “Dr. Tolar, I’m having trouble keeping up with the fast pace.  Would you mind slowing down a bit- after all, the Bible says, “Be slow to speak.”  Without even batting an eye, Dr. Tolar said, “Yes, but first it says ‘be quick to hear!’” 

 

We all got a good laugh about that in class that day.  He then turned the lecture into a preaching point about its one thing to speak quickly when disseminating information, but to speak quickly to someone, especially when angry, can be devastating.   Tuning people out, not allowing them to speak, or cutting them off assuming they are saying one thing when they mean another- is the perfect equation which  equals gross misunderstanding and heart ache.   How many relationships have been hurt or damaged beyond repair because of a word spoken too hastily?  How many opportunities for ministry have been denied because we got off to a wrong start with someone because we acted out of frustration rather than appealing to the grace of God to help us communicate better with that other person?  

 

The kind of person who pops off, says anything he wants and doesn’t care what anybody thinks is successful only on the big screen and not in real life.  James says that the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God- never.  It never leads to anyone getting saved- instead it always brings the worst out in everybody-especially ourselves.

 

Are you facing a situation that may cause you to be quick to speak today?  I hope and pray that you will consider James’ admonition before you are able to open up your mouth and say the wrong thing.  If you must be quick, be quick to hear.

 

Have a blessed day!

 

Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Salem Baptist Church
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@earthlink.net

 

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