Quick, Slow, Slow

When you sign up for a class or seminar, do you go expecting to challenge the speaker on every point they make? What would that class look like? Or, if you got your degree or certification in everything, would you argue with your instructor at every point? What would your education look like if that was what happened? Yet, in many parts of the Church, we treat preachers, Sunday school teachers and church leaders this way, to a degree, where sometimes a lesson cannot be taught because the court of public opinion gets to be in session.

Can I tell you that one of my biggest frustrations as a preacher and teacher of the Word is when someone is not really listening, but just wants to prove a point? I am not saying that I am infallible. I’m not. I’ve been wrong before. I’m even open to Biblical correction. Yet some people miss the point of a lesson or a sermon because they desire to prove their point of view, rather than listen to what is being taught through the Scriptures. In James 1:19, James, the half-brother of Christ writes “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” or, as the Amplified Bible puts it: Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving].”

It makes me wonder if much of our misunderstandings and divisions within the Church are because we’ve already made our minds up about what is being said and what should be said. The word of God is living and active, a double-edged sword, and should be used for teaching, correcting, rebuking and training in Righteousness. Yet, we use it against one another, and not to build one another up.  

I’m not saying not to have an opinion. I’m not even saying that preachers should never be questioned. We absolutely should be tested against Scripture. At times, I am not quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, I’ve been the opposite! But, before you respond, have you meditated on what was said? Is your opinion more valid than those who are leading the class, discussion or sermon? Is what is being said Biblical, but just doesn’t line up with your point of view? Consider, then, being quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to listen.

James 1:10-27

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. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Proverbs 17:27-28

A man of knowledge restrains his words,

and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.

Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent,

and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is unavoidable,

but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

Proverbs 14:29

A patient man has great understanding,

but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

Proverbs 16:32

He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior,

and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

Ephesians 4:26-27

“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Colossians 3:8

But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Proverbs 29:11

A fool vents all his anger

but a wise man holds it back.

Proverbs 18:13

He who answers a matter before he hears it—

this is folly and disgrace to him.

Proverbs 19:11

A man’s insight gives him patience,

and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Matthew 5:22

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Ephesians 4:31

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

1 Peter 3:8-9

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. / Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Proverbs 12:16

A fool’s anger is known at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.