Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak

Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak

“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.” Jas. 1:19-20.

This is an exhortation that is extremely necessary for us in our trials and temptations. If we are quick to speak, often what comes out of our mouth is contaminated by the lusts and demands of our flesh. Therefore we need to exercise ourselves in being swift to hear and slow to speak. God has something that He wants to show me about my own nature, the sin in my flesh.

James writes that the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God, which is His virtues, His goodness, love, patience, longsuffering, peace, etc. We could also say that the bitterness of man, impatience of man, or unthankfulness of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

There are many opportunities, for example, in our lives at home with our children and spouse where it can be easy to be quick to speak. As a result, impatience or irritation come out and it can bring a heavy spirit in the home. We can feel that what we are saying is justified, but nevertheless it doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. Jesus’ desire for us was that rivers of living water should come from our lives. John 7:38. If this is to happen in my life, rather than being swift to speak, I need to be swift to hear. Then the Spirit can reveal my own sin and demands that need to be brought into death.

We also can come into trials in the various situations in the church. For example, situations can come where I feel my honor or reputation is belittled. Or perhaps others don’t appreciate the things that I do or say. Then the temptation to become bitter can be very close. If I am quick to speak rather than being quick to hear, a root of bitterness can spring up and I can defile others. Heb. 12:15.

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Prov. 10:19.

Our calling is to be among the wise, who restrain their lips and allow the Spirit to convict them of their own sin in their trials. Then the righteousness of God—rivers of living water—can flow from us through our actions and our words.