Saturday, June 9, 2018

 
 
 
 
Devotional for Saturday, June 9, 2018
“Understand This…”
 
 
quick to hear Oct 2014
 
by Dona Hake
 
 

James 1:19 (AMP)

 

“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 started his exhortation here with two words and they are very important…”Understand this…”   Sometimes it is hard for our minds to grasp God’s ways, and we just need to simply seek understanding of their importance.   I think of how many arguments and misunderstandings that would be avoided if this simple truth were taken heed to.    The exhortation is to be a ready listener, slow to speak, and slow to take offense that could lead us to anger.   
 
 
If one does not give their full attention to the one speaking to them, there will more than likely words that are spoken which could be inappropriate, hurtful or misunderstood. This verse has a wealth of wisdom in it for us. It also shows us that it is just as important to listen to another’s heart for the unspoken words and feelings they may be feeling. Many times we may feel that we have the right answer for someone yet it is not the appropriate time for that word to be spoken. As we take care to listen, our words spoken will be appropriate and edifying to the listener.  We shall also be careful to speak, and not be quick to take the offense that could cause us to be angry.
 
 
 
 

Let us ask the Lord to have sensitive hearts that we will listen more closely to those around us. Many times we may indeed know what that individual may need to hear but we need to ask the Lord for the proper season to share it.

 
 
Proverbs 25:11 (AMP)
“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
 
 
 

Listening to someone may be the greatest gift you could give them. Choice words are even a greater gift to one that is in need. After you have listened carefully you will find they will be much more apt to hear your heartfelt and choice response. They will be more likely to take heed to the wisdom that you feel you are to share too. I believe the Lord can help us to guard our tongues that our words will be as choice silver and gold.