Quick to listen and slow to speak! If we could just learn this lesson, we'd all be better off. I'm afraid we often get these two reversed--we speak before we've really, truly listened to understand. Try to remember to listen for the purpose of understanding, not for the purpose of responding. This admonition is given to believers--"dear brothers and sisters," so we know that the Holy Spirit will help us in this matter.
Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry! If we listen more and speak less, perhaps it will be easier to obey the command to be slow to anger. Listening more puts our attention on the other person and helps us to understand where he or she is coming from. When we understand someone, we are more sympathetic with them, and we are less likely to feel personally offended. Thus, we are less prone to anger. "'Human anger' does not produce the righteousness God desires." v. 20 It is usually self-centered and often petty. It shows that we are not trusting God to work in the situation.
So we are to get rid of human anger and all other filth and evil in our lives and we are to humbly accept the word of God. After all, He has given it to us and even planted it in our hearts. It has the power to save our souls, so surely it has the power to help us listen, hold our tongues, and reduce our anger.
Psalm 138:1-3
The psalmist praises the Lord for answered prayer. vv. 1-3
- Give thanks for answered prayer. We shouldn't take God's generosity for granted.
- Sing His praises
- Bow before Him and worship Him.
- Praise His name for his unfailing love and faithfulness.
- He keeps His promises
- He hears and answers our prayers.
- He encourages us by giving us strength.
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