Spiritual communication - Be quick and yet be slow

James 1:19-21 - 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.

 

The epistle of James is often described as the New Testament’s book of wisdom. It speaks directly and practically to how faith is meant to be lived out. In this passage, James addresses one of the most important and yet most neglected aspects of Christian living: how we communicate. Words, emotions, and attitudes are not minor matters—they reveal the state of our hearts and shape the lives of those around us.

 

James begins with a gentle but clear exhortation: “Everyone should be quick to listen.” In a world where speaking loudly and being heard is often the priority, this instruction feels countercultural. Yet true listening is an act of humility. It means giving others our full attention—not just hearing their words, but valuing their heart. When we listen well, we learn. We prevent misunderstandings. We demonstrate love. Proverbs 18:13 warns us that to answer before listening is both foolish and shameful. Jesus Himself modelled this attentiveness when He paused to listen to the blind, the broken, and the overlooked. In our own lives, slowing down to truly hear what others are saying—without interrupting, without assuming—can bring healing and connection.

 

Closely tied to listening is being “slow to speak.” Words are powerful; they can bless or break, uplift or wound. Scripture reminds us that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Our speech should never be careless or reactionary. Being slow to speak is not silence—it’s wisdom. It means choosing words that reflect grace, truth, and patience. Before we respond, especially in moments of tension, we must pause, reflect, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide our tone and our message. A kind word can turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1), and a timely word can bring joy and life (Proverbs 25:11).

 

Poor communication that caused destruction – Rehoboam (1 Kings 12): Rehoboam rejected wise counsel and responded harshly to the people's plea for mercy. His arrogant and insensitive words tore the kingdom apart. Ten of the twelve tribes rebelled and formed their own nation under Jeroboam. Because of one act of prideful communication, the kingdom was divided—and never fully reunited. Harsh, prideful, and dismissive communication—especially from leaders—can lead to division, rebellion, and long-term damage.

 

Wise communication that brought healing – Abigail (1 Samuel 25): Abigail’s humble and gracious words calmed David’s anger and prevented bloodshed. er respectful and spirit-filled communication softened David’s anger. He praised her for her discernment and stopped the bloodshed. Abigail’s words saved lives and preserved David’s integrity. Humble, thoughtful communication—even in a tense moment—can calm tempers, avert disaster, and bring peace.

 

James then says we must be “slow to become angry.” Anger is not always sinful—Jesus displayed righteous anger in the temple when zeal for God’s house consumed Him (John 2:17). However, James distinguishes between godly anger and human anger. Human anger is often rooted in pride, frustration, or wounded ego. It rarely leads to the kind of life that reflects God’s righteousness. Proverbs 29:11 notes that a fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back. Being led by the Spirit means acknowledging anger when it rises, but not allowing it to rule. When we feel the heat of emotion, that is precisely the moment to pause, pray, and let the peace of Christ govern our response.

 

The final instruction James gives in this passage ties everything together. He says, “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.” The quality of our communication—our ability to listen, speak, and manage emotions—flows from the condition of our inner life. If our hearts are filled with moral compromise or spiritual neglect, our words will reflect it. But when we humbly receive God’s Word, when we let Scripture shape our hearts, our mouths will begin to reflect grace and truth. Jesus taught that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). What we sow inwardly, we will speak outwardly.

 

To grow in Spirit-led communication, begin and end your day in God’s presence. Let Scripture dwell in you richly. Pause throughout the day to reflect, to pray, and to recalibrate your heart. In every conversation, ask yourself: am I listening with love, speaking with grace, and responding with peace? Let your communication be a testimony of Christ in you—the hope of glory.

 

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to slow down. Help me to listen with compassion, speak with wisdom, and respond with self-control. Cleanse my heart of all that pollutes, and plant Your Word deep within me. May my words build, not break; bring peace, not strife; and always reflect the righteousness You desire. In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.