Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

0So, I thought I’d spend a few days talking about some sage old advice from James that I am a master at not following...“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”James 1:19-21I’ve put my foot in my mouth enough I taste show leather! Ha, maybe you have too? You started to talk and quickly wished you could stuff the words back in. Or maybe you’ve been the recipient of someone else’s foot-in-mouth moment. If so, you’ve likely felt the hurt of misspoken words. It stinks!We know from Ole’ James to “be quick to listen, slow to speak,” we all have the ability to hit pause. What we don’t have the ability to do is rewind. Once our words are out there, they can’t be taken back. That’s a hopeless feeling. When we’re under pressure, mad, or in a hurry, it can be easy to let the wrong words come out or to say the right words at the wrong time. We're typically quick to speak, slow to listen, the exact opposite of what James said to do.But by pausing before speaking, we put the needs of others ahead of our own. We give them the opportunity to express their opinions or tell their side of the story. Today, look for opportunities to give others the chance to talk first. Rather than listening in order to reply, try James’ advice, flip the script and be “quick to listen, slow to speak” instead. This may be a long day! Be Nice, Grace Wins