Editor’s Note: Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak

Editor’s Note: Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak

James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” Then just a few verses later in James 1:19 he tells us, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…” In this season of gift giving, I would like God to give me the gift of being slow to speak. Too many times I find myself saying things I wish I hadn’t. Have you found yourself with similar regrets?

We recently purchased a water purifier. It takes a few hours for the water poured into the top to come out the spigot below, but when it does, it’s filtered, purified, and ready to bring refreshment.

I want my thoughts to be like that. Filtered and purified so they come out of my mouth as refreshing words. That “slow to speak,” advise can give me time for a quick prayer before speaking.

Last Sabbath Shirley Mann shared a paper in Sabbath School that I really like. It said:

THINK  before you speak:

Is it … T rue?

Is it … H elpful?

Is it … I mportant?

Is it … N ecessary?

Is it … K ind?

Lord, help me be slow to speak. May I give the gift of refreshing words this holiday season, filtered through the guidance of your Holy Spirit. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of my mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

Juanita Edge, Communication Director