Bible Study - James 1 (part 3)

S - Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger

James 1:19 ESV

O - Commentary:

My dear brothers, and then made it clear that what was to follow was of great importance: take note of this, or “know this” (iste). A threefold injunction follows: let everyone … be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. In an argument, of course, the one who is listening rather than lambasting is the one who is slow to anger (cf. 3:1–12). Anger fails to yield the righteous life that God desires, the goal to which this epistle is committed.

 J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 823.

A - This admonition is so simple and profound at the same time.  If each of us were to do just this three things really well each day, the impact it would have on our conversations, relationship and situations would be huge.  Our spiritual growth is our foundation to life.  These three behaviors are some of the catalysts we do each day to help us grow.

R - Heavenly Father, you are God.  Empower us to master these three behaviors.  Help us value others by listening well, thoughtful in our words and patient in our anger.  We want to show your heart more than our emotions in the moment.