Swift to Hear

Read

James 1:19–20 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

What it is speaking to me:

It is interesting to me, in reading this today, that there seems to be a connection to hasty speech and anger. Which, if you have had any argument during your lifetime, is an obvious connection... but it seems that James also offers a balm to quell this anger problem: being swift to hear. As if listening more than speaking keeps anger away — and not just my anger, but the anger of others. It is strange; it is not just that sometimes I get angry from hasty speech, but others get angry with me!

Which is weird, because I am a really good listener. I listen so well that I am ready the moment someone stops speaking to start responding. That is what being a good listener means, right? I mean, I am taking in everything they are saying and preparing my response while they are talking. That is some "Grade A" listening, right??? And on top of all that, sometimes people get angry when I speak after my great listening... it must be their problem.

Somehow I don't think that is what James meant by being swift to hear. What could it mean, then?

• Could it mean that I think what the other person is saying matters more than what I think about it right this second?

• Could it mean that really listening to someone, in a way that they can tell that I am, confers honor on them and builds our relationship?

• Could it mean that sharing my opinion in every conversation with someone might not really be necessary?

• What does my listening say about my humility?

• What does my speaking say about it?

So maybe I am not swift to hear. Hmm. I would say more, but I think that would defeat the point.

What is it saying to you?

Are you a great listener like me?

Is it hard for you to listen?

Why or why not?

What are we going to do about it?

Just listen in a conversation today without interrupting or formulating a response. Listen in a way that the other person can tell you really did. See how that conversation goes.