Today's Verse: James 1:19

Friday, May 25, 1962

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
— James 1:19
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Let's just put this in cornbread English: "We must pump the brake on our speech and hit the throttle for our ears." When possible, we should let our emotional temperature cool for a few days before responding, pray to determine whether we need to respond, craft a response (written or verbal) with care, and then carefully edit and filter it before delivering our message - especially when we've had a zinger come our way. We keep our mouths shut, our hearts pure, and our ears open. Now, if we would all obey what James 1:19-21 teaches in this whole passage, we'd all be more blessed:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

My Prayer...

Mighty and Holy God, you are incredible - beyond my comprehension. How you put up with all the drivel, senseless verbal barbs, gossip, and hurtful speech that your other children spew out is beyond my understanding. I ask you, dear Father, to release the Holy Spirit to convict my heart and guard my lips from any form of hurtful speech. So, dear Father, we ask that you develop the fruit of the Spirit and a genuine Christ-likeness in us* so that our words and hearts reflect you and bless others in the ways you desire. We pray this to treat others more as Jesus did. Amen.
* Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:28-29.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

25 Related Resources by Heartlight

Make a Note of This
Illustration of James 1:19
Inspirational illustration of James 1:19 -- My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19-20
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the..."
Better to Not Assume
Article by Rubel Shelly
When we assume, well, let's just say things don't end so well. Rubel Shelly reminds us to not assume and to be willing to ask questions and listen so we truly understand what is being said.
I'm a Watcher
Article by Ron Rose
I may not say much, but I see everything. Ron Rose is back with his Beyond Black coffee collecting stories and meeting new people who introduce him to new things.
See All 25 Related Resources about James 1:19

Illustration

Illustration of James 1:19 — My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, May 25, 1962

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'New Life from the Spirit' (Jn. 6:63-66)
"[Jesus said,] "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Sending the Great Helper'
"Dear Beloved, My ascension back to the Father was a wonderful blessing. I know that you would love to have My physical presence with you — to....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Thomas a Kempis:
"The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in repairing our loss."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 16:19
"Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse