Tense Times

 

          Today, we'll continue in the Book of James.  James is a short book found in the New Testament.  James was the oldest of Jesus' brothers and he is writing about how we respond to the stresses we encounter in this life.

          We've all been in moments with one another that brings out the worst in us.  We almost always are emotional at first, then we verbally attack the other person, and sometimes even physically abuse the other person.  This is not Gods way of dealing with or responding to the tense moments we are going to come across in life.  James gives us the key verses that will calm all of our tense moments down and keep us out of trouble, in James 1:19-20.

James 1:19  "You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. 

          God  ggave us 2 ears and one mouth for a reason, it takes twice as much to intake than one to spew out.  We must listen first, then react with our voice.  "You can't help people, if you can't hear people." R. Emmitt

Verses on "Being Quick to Hear"

Proverbs 12:15  "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,, But a person who listens to advice                               is wise."

Proverbs 18:13  "One who gives an answer before he hears, ,It is foolishness and shame to                                   him."

Proverbs 10:19  "When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable,,But one who                                       restrains his lips is wise.

          Slow to speak means you take it all in, then you respond.

Verses on Being Slow To Speak

Provrbs 15:1  "Agentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

Proverbs 17:28  "Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;  When he closes his                                   lips,he is considered prudent.

Proverbs 13:3 "One who guards his mouth protects his life; One who opens wide his                                          lips [c]comes to ruin

Verses on Being Slow To Get Angry

Psalm 4:4  "Don' sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent,"

Proverbs 14:29 "One who is slow to anger has great understanding;, But one who is [m]quick-                              tempered exalts foolishness."

Proverbs 19:19  "A person of great anger will suffer the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will                             only have to do it again.