Be Quick to Listen

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 NIV

In an article titled “This Jamaican Sprinter Just Ran Faster Than Usain Bolt Did at 19” published Friday, the following was reported: Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, a 19-year-old sprinter from Kingston, Jamaica, made history this week by running a blistering under-20 national record of 9.99 seconds in the 100-meter, making him just the third person worldwide to break the 10-second barrier before their 20th birthday. Nkrumie, appropriately nicknamed "Dr. Speed," is not only the third-fastest junior sprinter ever but also the youngest Jamaican sprinter to break the 10-second barrier at the distance—a massive achievement in a place like Jamaica, known for producing sprinters like the inimitable Usain Bolt, as well as Asafa Powell and Yohan Blake. Wow right? That young man is quick! 

And you know, when it comes to speed, the Bible tell us that “everyone should be quick to listen” but “slow to speak and slow to become angry.” You see much of our anger or wrath comes from being self-centered rather than being others-centered. And an angry Christian is an ineffective Christian. Is it any wonder then that God gave us two ears and only one mouth? He even hedged in our tongue with teeth and lips! So being quick to listen is the best way to for a believer to consider what another person is saying before responding and is an action that considers others above self— something that almost always prevents careless words from being spoken or a spirit of anger from being shown. 

So take special care to be slow to wrath my friend by being quick to listen twice as long as you speak. You’ll be so glad you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak so that others would see your love, kindness, and care emulated in us. Help us to control our tongues Lord so that our speech would be seasoned with salt and to be temperate in our dealings with other people. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!