James has always been one of my favorite books of the bible. It’s packed full of practical life applications and very concise, clear language. This week, let’s consider this piece of scripture…

19) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

James 1:19-20, KJV

Losing your temper is the line you don’t want to cross. While anger is a natural emotion that we will all face and experience in life you don’t ever want to get so angry that you lose control of your spirit. That is the line of demarcation for those who choose to strive for Christlike ideals in your life.

James gives an axiomatic spiritual formula for keeping us clear of losing control enough to say or do things we will regret. Let every man be swift to hear. Listening always comes first. In living, in loving, in striving to the best versions of ourselves we can be listening almost always comes first. Stephen Covey said it best, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Watching what we say, measuring our words before they come out prematurely is vital in the spiritual formula James is prescribing. The best way to achieve this level of godliness in our conversations is to make a conscious effort to listen first and listen more than you speak. Easier said than done I know but listening before speaking is absolutely vital in safeguarding our spirits.

Are you having a problem with losing your temper? The best, most spiritual way to keep from blowing up and being a hot head is to follow this piece of wisdom. Be swift to hear. Slow to speak. Slow to wrath.