Listening And Speaking

19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick 

to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; .(James 1)

In this part of chapter one James speaks some wise words to this Gramma’s mind. 

…let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak,

Just take a moment to think about that small little phrase.  

Just imagine the possibilities this idea of listening offers.

For sure, listening is absolutely crucial to any relationship or conversation.  That, I think, is why God gave us two ears and just one mouth. 

Listening is the key to all learning, understanding and growth.  

Without a keen ability to listen we become dumb — unable to speak.  At the vary least, to speak with any kind of meaning or purpose.

And yet!  Think about how often we put our mouths in gears without thinking at all.  We are so anxious to have our words, ideas and opinions heard that we begin to speak even before we are invited to.

I know I am completely guilty of that.  I find myself cutting others off in mid-sentence.  Not waiting for them to have their full say.  

I hate it when I do that!  And yet I find myself doing it anyway.  

Yikes!

We -- I -- seem to have this innate need to be heard.  And yet we -- I -- don’t give others the same privilege.

Unfortunately, slow listening and fast speaking is one of our human flaws. 

Now imagine that flaw multiplied by many — in a social group, a meeting at work, a political campaign.  Or how about a world conference where important decisions are to be made?

Or even in the simplest environment where children are learning to live together?  Say on the playground or at a friend’s home or just between siblings.  

We all learn quickly how to speak fast.

Just something to ponder as you go through your day communicating with others.  

Tomorrow I’ll tackle:  ..slow to anger; ²⁰for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. ²¹Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.