James (W3D1) Loud & Angry

Week 3. Monday: Loud and Angry

PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.

READ: James 1:19-20

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words

• Take note of this: pay close attention to this, be skilled in this

• Quick to listen, slow to speak:

• When we don’t listen we run the risk of misunderstandings and conflict. We simply cannot understand without listening. Listen first, ask questions, and try to understand before you speak. This is wise and therefore works in every area of life.

• Also read the following passages: Proverbs 10:19; 11:12; 15:1; 17:28

• Slow to become angry:

• The Greek word for “slow” here is bradys and is actually a metaphor for being slow in the mind or dull. James is saying we should train our minds to be slow to not only become angry, but also to restrain our anger.

• Also read Matthew 5:21-26 and Ephesians 4:26-27.

• The righteousness that God desires:

• James is not referring to righteousness in regards to God’s Law. He is referring to integrity and correctness of thought, attitude, and actions.

• Our human anger most often leads us away from how God wants us to live. When we let our anger drive us to sin, we miss out on the blessings of God’s righteousness.

APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?

Are you quick to listen and slow to speak? Why or why not? What is the result?

What most commonly makes you angry? How do you deal with your anger?

What have you learned today that can help you in these areas?

PRAY: Ask God to help you be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.