Bible Study June 21, 2024
James 1:19 – 21 (Legacy Standard Bible)
19 Know this, my beloved brothers. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, laying aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in gentleness receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
This popped up today and just this week I saw a posting on this same topic from my friend Greg. Years ago I heard an evangelist say we should listen twice as much as we talk since God gave us two ears and one mouth. I have a hard time doing that and I am certain some reading this may be in the same boat.
Washington Irving said, “The tongue is the only thing that gets sharper with use.” He couldn’t have been correct. It is so true.
It is said on one occasion a young man came to Socrates to learn to be an orator. In his first meeting with his teacher, he talked without stopping. When the great philosopher Socrates could get a word in he said to the young man: “Young man, I will have to charge you a double fee.” “A double fee? Why is that? To which Socrates responded “I will have to teach you two sciences. First how to hold your tongue, and then how to use it.”
Socrates gives us some good advice along with the idea of thinking before we speak, is my offering valuable, should I reconsider how or what to say before I venture into a comment I wish I should have not said?
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 