James 1:19-21 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
One commentator said, That if nature has taught us anything it is that we have two ears that are open at all times to hear, but one mouth hemmed in with teeth and lips to hold back the tongue.” I like that!
To be honest, most people are not really listening well. They are too busy formulating their own defense to listen to what another is saying. Then their tongue gets involved and everything goes to pot.
Then anger takes hold and people are saying things that they should have never say, but once said, it cannot be taken back. Learn to listen, then speak words that will clarify and edify to hold back the anger that rips apart lives and destroys friends.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to shut my mouth, listen intently to UNDERSTAND, to keep the escalating anger hidden forever! In Your name Lord, Amen