Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Wrath

I. James 1:19-20

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33

II. Be patient

A. Impatience

B. Often we are too enamored by the sound of our own voice that we cannot wait for another to finish talking so we can speak We often do not remember what other people have said because we are more concerned with what we wanted to say than listening to them Proverbs 18:13 – only a fool speaks without listening

C. Work on listening

D. Listening requires effort and discipline It requires us to humble ourselves and give attention to someone else There are many distractions that we must ignore to focus on listening We are often poor listeners because we do not concentrate on the discussion of the moment but are thinking of other things. We think we can multitask—do other things while listening—but we end up doing neither thing well. Attentive listening to others—especially to your children—shows them that they are important to you and are worth your undivided attention.

E. Open minded

F. But consider who your are hearing

G. Ecclesiastes 7:5 – listen to the wise rebuke, be discreet with a fool

H. Just because a person is in a position of authority, is older than you, or seems bold in his speech does not mean that he has something to say

I. Movie stars, politicians, and old fools talk a lot but it does not mean that what they have to say is substantive Some are always critical, talking down others or their efforts but never offer alternative solutions Proverbs 14:15 – be wise in listening Do not show disrespect the one talking but look for elements of wisdom or truth that you can use and discard the rest—even a broken clock is right twice a day

J. Proverbs 22:17-21 – Seek the wisdom of the wise

K. The wise may open your mind to great things you have not considered

L. Often, however, the wisdom of the wise is despised

M. Proverbs 1:20-33 (read previously)1 Corinthians 2:13-15 – Worldly wise cannot tolerate the truth Ecclesiastes 9:13-17 – Do not follow faddish wisdom

III. Slow to speak

A. We must determine first if we have anything to say

B. “Speak only when it enhances the silence” –Churchill? Trouble often comes by speaking before thinking Many a person has gotten into trouble for talking because he could not bear the silence or failing to stop speaking when he finished what he had to say

C. Proverbs: Wisdom in speaking

D. Proverbs 29:20 – little hope for one hasty in his words Ecclesiastes 5:3-7 – fool is known for his many words Proverbs 10:19-21 – more wisdom in restraint Proverbs 17:27 – the wise spares his words Ecclesiastes 10:17-20

E. The Christians speech should be graceful and edifying

F. Proverbs 15:1 – soft answer turns away wrath Ephesians 4:29 – Not corrupt speech, but edifying Colossians 4:6 – Speech thoughtful and tactful

IV. Slow to wrath

A. Not quick to wrath as often practiced

B. Proverbs 14:29 – slow wrath demonstrates wisdom Proverbs 15:18 – Leads to a more diplomatic solution Proverbs 29:8 – Fools burn the city but the wise turn away wrath

C. Should not characterize the Christian

D. Ephesians 4:31/Colossians 3:8 – put it away Romans 12:19 – Give wrath to God The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God Never got in trouble for not losing my temper

E. Questions to ask

F. Do I need to get mad? Is this person trying to help me? Is what they are saying true? Am I misunderstanding and so should ask for clarification?

V. The Wise Christian

A. People are often slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to be angry

B. It reflects a selfish and foolish heart

C. Jesus teaches us a better way

D. A way that shows respect to othersA way that allows me to “esteem others better than self” A way that seeks patience and peace, not strifeA way that seeks to build up another; not destroy him

E. Some will have to unlearn behaviors, trying and failing often until they can control their ears, mouth and temper, but it is the path of wisdom

VI. Title