SPIRITUAL VITAMIN DEVOTIONAL

SLOW TO SPEAK

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen...slow to speak..."
~James 1:9

A dear friend of mine says that she always gets in trouble with her mouth - either what is going in, or what is going out! How true for many of us. Scripture tells us: "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

What does it mean to be slow to speak? Why did God give us two ears and only one mouth? The tongue is so powerful that God placed two barriers before it, our teeth and lips! When we are slow to speak, we have more time to think about what or if we should say anything. When you close your mouth and open your ears, you will be surprised at what you will discover. It is very hard to learn anything when you are doing all the talking. "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil." Proverbs 15:28

When James, the brother of our Lord Jesus, said these words, he was speaking to "believers" and it was in the context of trials. How easy it is for us to open our mouths and speak harsh, critical or judgmental words when someone is going through various trials. How easy it is to lash out at others when we go through difficult times.

Practicing "slow to speak" can also improve your relationships dramatically, with God and others. Sometimes we say things we should not and hurt others. When you care enough to close your mouth and open your ears, you can listen with the eyes of your heart and hear the real meaning of what someone is trying to communicate to you.

So, how can you be "slow to speak"? Close your mouth. It is easier to listen with it closed. Slow down, take time and make eye contact. In the words of King Solomon: "Go near to listen... Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."

Prayer:
Father God, thank you that in your wisdom you designed us to listen with two ears, two eyes and the eyes of our heart. Help me to be "slow to speak" that I may learn more of you and others. Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

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SPIRITUAL VITAMIN DEVOTIONAL