James 1:19

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
(NIV)

Here is some good practical advice from James. It is a three step process...

• Quick to listen
• Slow to speak
• Slow to become angry

There are many men in the American church that need this advice. They might have the slow to speak part down, but the quick to listen is rare, and the slow to become angry is non-existent.

The phrase that is translated as "take note of this:" is in the original just one word. It is a root word that means, to see or to know. In this case, it is in the present perfect tense. It means that you are presently in the act of seeing this and knowing this. It doesn't mean that you already know it completely or that you need to know it in the future. You are knowing it right now.

Take the time to listen to everyone today. Don't wait. If something seems offensive to you, don't jump to the weapons of mouth destruction. Your words should be used to build people up, not tear them down, so think twice before you speak. Retrain your mind for the big picture. Don't get angry so quickly. Wait patiently.