Doubt & Devotion

James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

What is the significance of the word “hearing” in this verse? Why should believers be quick to listen, slow to speak? Why should we slow down in our expression of anger?​

The use of the word “hearing” in this verse does not simply mean listening to another human being speak. It specifically refers to hearing God’s word or message and responding to it with urgency. Just as infants desire milk, so should believers have a strong longing for God’s word, anxious to constantly feed on it.

Meanwhile, being slow to speak has little to do with being amiable and has more to do with responsible preaching and teaching. Believers must not rush hastily to proclaim God’s word until they have first studied it carefully and applied it themselves. We should not be giving out ideas to others until we can guarantee that we know what God has to say. Otherwise, we will end up misleading not only ourselves but also our listeners.​

Finally, as believers, we should work hard to keep our temper in check. The essential condition of hearing from God and putting His word into practice is that the mind should be free from thoughts of resentment and hatred. A Christian who is in an angry state cannot receive and appreciate divine requirements and is therefore not in a position to teach anyone. Be slow to anger. It will save you from sinning.​

Today, let us ask ourselves: Am I swift to hear God’s Word and apply it to my life? Do I ensure that I have studied God’s Word before teaching it to others? Am I slow in my expression of anger?​

Commit to cultivating a life of attentive hearing, measured speech, and controlled spirit. This is a sure path to honoring God and living righteously.

Dear God, please give me the strength to be quick to hear Your implanted truth, to receive it fully into my spirit, to be slow to teach others until I know, and I have fully studied and applied Your truth in my own life, and please bless me with a spirit that is truly slow to anger in everything I do. Amen.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.