James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
If everyone followed James’s wise instructions, the world would be far more pleasant and peaceful. Listening is vital. True listening always results in learning. It is how I begin to understand others and the world around me. Whenever I fail to listen, I am in danger of forming prejudices and ignoring truths. Then, unchecked, I slide down a slippery slope into all kinds of error and foolishness. And if I’m speaking, I’m not listening, so I need to work more at saying less and hearing more. Being slow to speak also helps in maintaining my cool when I’m tempted to express anger.
Father, please make me a better listener. As I interact with people at home, at work, in my neighborhood, in my church, and anywhere you lead me, please imprint this verse on my mind and heart. I desire to be quick to listen, eager to understand.
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