“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19–20
Being quick is a great attribute to have, especially in sports. In football, basketball, and soccer, speed will give you a great advantage: it can help you get to the ball first, make the tackle behind the line of scrimmage, cut off an advancing player, or blow past someone on your way to the hoop for the dunk!
But there is a kind of quickness that honors God because it shows true love and humility. It’s having a quickness to listen. God wants his children to have a knee-jerk response to listen well.
Why do you think that is?
It’s because listening well equals loving. Think about it. When do you feel truly valued by someone? Oftentimes it happens when you are speaking and someone else is intently listening to you. Contrast this with a situation where you are trying to talk to someone and they are constantly looking at their phone, or looking over your shoulder for someone more important. Does that make you feel loved? Of course not! Why? Because they are not valuing what you have to say. They’re not valuing you.
It’s also because we tend to exhibit pride through our words. We are all tempted to talk about ourselves all the time. Seeking to close our mouths and truly listen to someone else is a good way to increase our humility. God loves the humble but opposes the proud (1 Pet. 5:5).
Read
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
- What can happen when we don’t listen but talk too much instead?
- What happens when we don’t listen to others or to God?
- Do you listen to the Holy Spirit well?
Prayer
Father, help us to humble ourselves in light of how humble you were when you saved us and gave your life for us. May we increase in humility and may that be evinced in the way that we listen. May our communities be strengthened by the way we listen to and demonstrate love for one another. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the James Study Guide. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes a 15-week curriculum, a small group study, a group inductive study, as well as 75 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
