September 25
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls,” James 1:19-21.
In order to have and maintain a good relationship with family, friends, neighbors, and associates, the Lord gives us advice through the apostle James on tongue and temper control.
Listening and hearing is a way of learning. There is an old saying that God gave us two ears and one mouth because He wants us to listen more than we speak. He wants us to be swift to hear – ready and willing to listen in order to learn what He has revealed in His holy Word for the sake of our souls’ salvation.
In part, James is repeating advice also given in the Old Testament. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, the author writes, “A fool’s voice is known by his many words,” Ecclesiastes 5:3. There is a German proverb which says that he who is constantly speaking with many words is inclined to tell many things that are not true. The same thought is expressed in the Book of Proverbs: “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise,” Proverbs 10:19.
In addition to controlling your tongue, also control your temper. Be slow to wrath. If you become angry, think before you speak. Otherwise, you might later regret what you said. Indeed, our own sins or the sins of others might cause us to become angry, and there is such a thing as righteous wrath. However, in dealing with sin and wickedness of every kind, let us be gentle, and always keep in mind the salvation of souls.
We need not always have a thundering, booming voice when we speak of sin. We might well accomplish much more when we speak with a still, small voice!
In all of our associations with others, we should always have a concern for souls. The salvation of souls is dependent upon the Word of God, which speaks of sin and the only Savior. The Law of God brings us to a knowledge of sin. It shows us how impossible it is for us to save ourselves, because the Law demands perfection, and all of us know that we are far from being sinless and perfect.
The Gospel, which touches and warms cold hearts, is the sin-removing message. It assures us of our forgiveness, which was gained for us by Jesus through His suffering and death on Calvary’s cross. God accepted the sacrifice of Jesus as full payment for the redemption of all people. In spirit, stand at the foot of the cross and behold what manner of love God has bestowed upon us. We are invited, “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
In working for the salvation of souls, dear Lord, enable us to control our tempers and our tongues! Amen.
“Oh, let me never speak
What bounds of truth exceedeth;
Grant that no idle word
From out my mouth proceedeth.
And then, when in my place,
I must and ought to speak,
My words grant pow’r and grace,
Lest I offend the weak.” Amen.