Slow to Speak

A gentle answer turns away wrath,But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,But the mouth of fools spouts folly.Proverbs 15:1-2

Thisyou know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak andslow to anger for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

Maybe I am the only person who needs to think on the verses above but I frequently need to be reminded to listen and be slow to speak. The world as a whole has lost the ability to listen and be slow to speak. Everyone has an opinion and their opinion is the best or the only one that truly is right.

The news calls it passion or tolerance, but the Word of God says the mouth of fools spouts folly. We have become such a self-centered nation and completely forgot the Word says a gentle answer turns away wrath, be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

As Christians we need to set an example for those around us. I encourage you to be a listener, encourager, and use wisdom. We show love and wisdom to people when we are thoughtful in our responses, even in difficult conversations. Set the tone for those around you and do not fall into the complacency of the world. We are called to be set apart from the world.