Nipate
Forum => Controversial => Topic started by: GeeMail on October 15, 2014, 10:42:47 AM
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Slow to Speak
Read James 1:19, 20. What important point is James making there?
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God’s Word is powerful. But so are human words. How often have
we spoken words that later we wish we could take back? Unfortunately,
just being aware of how hurtful wrong words can be, and how destructive
anger is, does little to help us get ourselves under control. Left to
our own devices, we can never really change. That is why we need to
listen more to God and let Him work in us.
“When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before
Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He
bids us, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ ”—Ellen G. White,
The Ministry of Healing, p. 58.
By contrast, problems arise when we stop listening to God and to
each other. Whether in the home, at work, or in the church, arguments
ensue when listening stops. When that happens, talking begins to
accelerate and anger builds. This slippery slope of sinful communication,
like the uncontrolled inward desires of James 1:14, 15, can never
produce the righteousness of God.
That is why James juxtaposes God’s righteousness with human
wrath. As long as we rely on what bubbles up naturally from our sinful
nature, the creative power of God’s Word is blocked, and our own
unhelpful or even hurtful words arise instead. No wonder that right
after talking about all that our “Father of lights” does for us by the gift
of a new life, James tells us to be careful with what we say.
What do the following passages teach about words?
Prov. 15:1, Isa. 50:4, Eph. 4:29, 5:4, Col. 4:6.
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Think about the last time someone devastated you with his or her
words. The depth of emotion you felt should show you just how
powerful words can be, either for good or bad. What can you do
to help keep your words under control? Why is it so important to
think before you speak?