Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. James 1:19 AMPC
Context and Charge:
God in His wisdom created man and gave him many human parts. He made the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the mouth to taste, eat and process things. Each part has its own primary function, but it also works in conjunction and cooperation with other parts of the body. God then places the man in the midst of other people, also created by God, so that relationships can be birthed, sustained and enhanced by the wealth and depth of the blessings God has bestowed on each one of us. As it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. The human body functions in a family setting and then impacts the society at large, and the human body also functions in the church setting, impacting the lives which have come in and then in turn impacting the world in general.
There is no part that is more important than the other but God places the burden of care on some parts, because they provide a window into the soul of the person. As we know, the wisdom or foolishness of a man is revealed by the words of his mouth. The Bible even says that even a foolish man is thought to be wise if he does not open his mouth. As we also know, anger is also a natural human reaction to things that we cannot explain or what we do not like. Yet, in all our humanity, God expects us to reflect his nature, heart and life as we relate with other people. Does God shine out in the way I use my parts? Is God evident in my daily decisions, dealings and interactions? Can men see the imprint of the life of God in and on me?
Conviction and Conclusion:
I was given two ears and 1 mouth so that I can hear twice as much as I can speak. I was given two ears so that I can twice as much time to process what I hear before I can speak about it. I was given two ears so that I can receive instruction for life; yes, I will hear both the positive and negative, and the one that leads to life as well as that which leads to death, but then, I have a choice of response, which is where my heart and lips come in. I can't throw sticks at every dog that barks; I must focus on the assignment I have been given. My heart must subject all it encounters to the word of God, so that God can lead and guide aright. After all, being a child of God means that my life must reflect his presence. Does this describe me in any way? God's time of favour is here.
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