Slow To Speak

James 1:19

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

INTRODUCTION:

1. Our ears are exposed and unguarded while our tongues are concealed behind ivory bars.

2. James 1:19 – Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.

3. Not hasty, careful thought. Proverbs 13:3 – He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.

4. Consider the characteristics of our speech.

DISCUSSION:

I. Our speech can be utilized in a negative manner.

A. Incite anger. Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

B. Filthy. Colossians 3:8 – Put filthy communication out of your mouth. Matthew 12:34 - A filthy mouth is the result of a filthy heart.

C. Lies. Ephesians 4:25 – Put away lying, speak every man the truth to his neighbor. Before we speak, we ought to ask, "Do we know what we are saying is true?"

D. Words with no purpose. Matthew 12:36-37 – Every idle word that man shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Before we speak we ought to ask, "What is our motive for saying what we do?" Why am I saying this?

E. Violate another person’s trust in us. Proverbs 11:13 – A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

F. Participate in gossip. I Timothy 5:13 – We ought not be tattlers or busybodies. If it were not for "gossipy ears" there would be no "gossipy tongues." Remember if someone will talk to you about another person, they will talk to that other person about you. Also consider II Thessalonians 3:11, I Peter 4:15.

II. Can be used in a positive manner.

A. Speak the truth. Someone has said, "If you always tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said.

B. Speak of our faith. Romans 10:9-10 – With the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Consider Philippians 2:11, II Corinthians 4:13.

C. Honor God. Hebrews 13:15 – With the fruit of our lips we offer praise to God and give thanks to his name.

D. Encourage others. Ephesians 4:29 – Let that come out of your mouth which is good to the use of edifying.

E. Spread God’s word. Psalm 119:172 – My tongue shall speak of thy word.

F. Warn others of imminent danger. I Thessalonians 5:14 – Warn them that are unruly.

CONCLUSION:

1. Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.