The meaning of James 1:19-27
The message of James 1:19-27 talks about the ability to be a good listener first, which is part of the humility standpoint and being slow to speak.
James was reported as the head and chief mouthpiece of the Apostolic Council. Being a spokesperson means James speaks clearly, with compassion and empathy, which aligns with humility.
In Ephesians 1 verse 19, James started defining what obedience means, to be quick to hear, and slow to speak – this is a powerful statement that is full of wisdom. A statement that would be referred to in the outside world. To be quick to hear and slow to speak means both meekness, humbleness, and thoughtfulness or regard for others.
He further admonished us to be a true Christian. According to him, practicing believer acts on the word they have heard. The word of God is a spiritual mirror. In the same way, no one is expected to look into a mirror without adjusting themselves to the way they desire to look, believers are also supposed to put the life-giving word into action.
Our true faith is the one that is anchored on sound belief in the great truths of Christianity.
James 1 verses 22 to 25 says,
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
He concluded the message by talking about what a true and pure religion is. Christians who practice true religion bridle their tongue, visit orphans and widows, and separate themselves from the lust of the world.
The practical way to a real religion or what we can call genuine religion is simple humility with a controlled tongue.
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” ( James 1 verses 26 to 27 )
Effect of Effective Listening
Listening is the aptness to acquire and decipher messages. It requires full focused attention and concentration and the ability to think carefully.
Jesus instructed us in Luke chapter 8 verse 18,
“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”
Several passages in the holy bible talk about the powerful effect of listening, especially listening to God’s word. The following are some of the examples in the New Testament.
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Luke 10:16,
“He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”
Listening or hearing is not an obedient skill, and it is not just about keeping quiet to let others speak. It requires full focused attention, focused concentration, and thinking ability. It means there are a lot of bad listeners the same way we have good listeners.
Every good listener has the greater advantage of being able to comprehend information. Jesus is the ultimate example of a great listener. Here are some of the challenges why we struggle to listen before being at odds with good and bad communication processes.
Five Interferences to Our Ability to be a Good Listener
The ability to Listen is Self-Taught
No one exclusively set a class or time for me to teach me how to listen. It is a fundamental skill that can be mastered by humans. It is usually not intentionally taught and is modeled mostly at work. This fundamental topic is not yet listed as a course elective in colleges, schools, and universities.
Ironically, the fundamental ability to learn is mainly and largely by the ability to be able to listen, and it is not being taught or covered as a subject.
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” ( James 1 verse 19 )
The Struggle with Arrogance
There is a lot of complex evil behind bad listening. Various forms of pride lie behind poor listening habits. We often assume we know everything about the speakers, both personally and in their situations. We also think we know everything the speaker or someone is about to say.
The listener automatically starts practicing his response before the speaker completes his statement. A bad listener is usually impatient with the person being engaged with. The ability to be a good listener requires humility. Pride is a destroyer of destiny. One of the ways it exhibits itself is to rob the listener of valuable information from the speaker.
“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” ( Proverbs 11 verse 2)
Different Types of Sluggishness
Sometimes listening is a challenging task. To listen diligently will need full attention, well focus, and assiduousness. Not a lot of us can listen as instructed in James 1:19 to be quick to listen, we sometimes nod and say yes intermittently while not truly listening to the speaker.
“The soul of the lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” ( Proverbs 13 verse 4 )
A noisy and loud world
The world is very lousy and with the rise in technology through social media. People can make lots of noise through social media including TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and WhatsApp. It is hard for people to listen and pay attention to easy access to social media.
Everyone believes that they can multi-task, some people are always on their phones or use their phones while speaking. This does not encourage the speakers and it can simply be avoided through discipline, by working hard on your listening skills.
“In all labour there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty.” ( Proverbs 14 verse 23)
Relaxation and unwinding methods
This can also be interrelated to the above. While listening people tend to sometimes research online for validation of what is being spoken or continuously researching available online options.
This encourages bad listening skills as it sometimes requires stopping what you are listening to, which prolongs the listening time and could become ineffective. If you cannot stop it while engaging in online research this means the engagement will be affected as the message can be missed or misunderstood due to engaging in research while the speaker is speaking.
It is exceedingly difficult in today’s world not to be distracted. We can sometimes be distracted by the enemy, there are lots of examples in the bible where God’s people were being distracted by the enemies. Martha is a good case of someone being distracted in the bible.
She had good intentions, and she was going to serve Jesus. While she was going to serve Jesus, she forgot that spending time with Him was the most important thing. She lost the opportunity of spending time with Him as she was focused on everything else, she wanted to do for Him, forgetting she should focus on Him.
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
( Luke 10 verses 38 to 42)
Impatience
Exercise patience by respectfully listening to the preacher or the speaker without interrupting. Respect brings about patience, and the ability to listen attentively can be done by having the fruits of the spirit. It is always beneficial to be patient and listen patiently rather than be quick to speak and speak arrogantly.
“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
What are the Interferences to Our Ability to be a Good Speaker
Bad Listener
The ability to be a good speaker is by first being a good listener.
This message taught us that everyone must first listen, meaning it is the first part before you can be a good speaker. Listening skills are always needed to be able to be a good communicator.
It is God’s given idea to be a good communicator. If we can benefit from speaking with God, then we would also benefit from speaking with one another. Speaking would always foster a good relationship.
We can be taught in school how to speak, some classes are used to build and increase our speaking skills i.e. speech classes.
Unlike listening, it is an ability we are born with and there have been no reported classes of speaking in college or the educational system.
Diverse types of Interruptions
Interruptions are part of our daily lives; I am not sure there is anyone who likes them. However, they are an unavoidable circumstance. When speaking there should be a boundary on how interruptions will be handled. Phones are one of the most common interruptions, The use of social media is also one of the main interruptions, and speakers can also be interrupted by people.
One of the major rules of life is that we are taught as children not to interrupt when someone is speaking. To be a great speaker, you must emulate, not be an interrupter.
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” ( Matthew 7 verse 12 )
Lack of Study
Studying helps you to be prepared for your speaking engagement. For a sermon or message, it is always best to study and seek help from the Holy Spirit. Studying engages your critical thinking skills and it builds confidence for your speaking engagement.
Mastering your message is evidenced by studying. Using all means to keep the audience engaged and focused. Telling a bible story as well as using the term, “let me tell you a story” can be a great speaking tool that often gets a response from the audience.
Studying the bible often produces spiritual and personal revelations. It also gives directions and guidance to our spiritual life.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ( 2 Timothy chapter 2 verse 15 )
No Desire to be a Blessing
To hunger to be a blessing is a wonderful way of being a good speaker. This gives you the drive needed to work hard towards your sermon or speaking engagement.
Having no desire to be a blessing is a no, no especially if you are handling God’s word. When we minister God’s holy word from the bible, we are representing God.
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” ( 1 Peter chapter 4 verse 11 )
Every time we mount the podium, it should be graced with the resounding fear of God. You should wait on God, spend time with him, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
Not Ready to Be Sacrificial
To be a great speaker, you must be ready to put in effort. This is a fantastic way to be a blessing to people. Grace might not always be easy and convenient, but it can be achieved due to sacrifices.
Most of us have sacrificed our sleep, time, food, family, friends, or even food as a means of fasting. God graciously always sees what efforts we put in. Even Jesus sacrificed His life for us to be safe, He fasted for forty days and forty nights.
“And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” ( Mark chapter 15 verses 37 to 39 )
Hasty words
Speaking hastily can cause grievances and it can inflict wounds. We should listen to the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Speak with calmness, serenity, and sincerity of heart. Reacting adversely can be full of anger and abusive speech.
Please note that human anger will not do any good things to our Christian faith. The human heart is full of much anger but such works do not represent ways of righteousness but rather a demonstration of worthless religion. Having self-control is an important key to controlling your speech.
Depending on God will grant you grace for the ability to have self-control.
“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.” ( Proverbs 25 verse 28 )
How Can I Be a Doer of the Word?
Living an Exemplary Life
We must live a life of Christ. Our lives must be exemplary to unbelievers, the effortless way to a Christ example is simply by practicing and living by the word of God. This is a means of sharing the gospel, people would be interested in you when you are living in the ways of God.
Living a practical Christian life can be a challenge but we have the help of the Holy Spirit, putting the words we have heard into action helps us to receive the power of God and the blessing of God. It is a delight to God when we obey His word.
“So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel chapter 15 verses 22)
Paying Attention
People tend to get distracted by a lot of things, especially with the high rise in technology and social media. The phone can distract from listening to the sermon or the speaker. Growth or the ability to be a doer of the word has been interfered with as there is not much understanding of what has been spoken.
It is not just enough to listen to the word of God but also to actively understand, respond, and ensure there is an obvious change in behavior.
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” (Hebrews chapter 2 verses 1 to 4)
Humility
Pride can interfere with being a doer of God’s word. Being proud simply shows a lack of trust and dependence on God. It shows reliance on one’s ability, merit, and superiority. Pride can be obvious and sneaky in a deceptive way.
When we do not depend on God, we believe we can do things that hinder us from doing God’s word.
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16 verse 18)
Righteousness
Worldly pleasures can hinder us from being a doer of God’s word. Due to the frivolous enjoyment, we do not want to carry out God’s instructions to us. World pleasures are not from God, we are expected to live a just and holy life just like our Heavenly Father. We should not let the pleasures of this world control us.
“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” ( 1 John 2:16 )
Concentration
Interruptions happen every day and can interfere with our daily activities and schedule. We need to be vigilant and not get distracted from doing what the word of God says. Life happenings that can interrupt doing the words of God, when angry ensure you still observe God’s word.
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” ( James chapter 1 verse 26 )
Forgiveness
Having bitterness and unforgiveness can hinder us from being a doer of God’s word. Unforgiveness can create a debt for someone and us as well. It is a poison that continues to pollute one’s spirit and it puts weight on your heart, and this hinders you from properly exhibiting God’s word.
To be right with God, we must alienate ourselves from every form of unforgiveness. To forgive is beneficial for your spiritual growth.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark chapter 11 verse 25 )
What is James 1:19 prayer?
Almighty Father, we come before you with humbleness in our hearts and our mouths filled with praises. For you have helped us with wisdom and knowledge, given to us to be obedient to your Holy Word and willingness to follow your will.
Lord, help us to be inclined to always be ready to sacrifice to study and be obedient listeners. Help us not react adversely by being interrupted but Lord, grant us the grace to be meek, kind, and generous with your spirit. Help us to forgive hasty words and help us to be healed from every word that has been worded to us.
Take away every spirit of arrogance, anger, lasciviousness, unforgiveness, and hostility, and give us the grace to embrace love, patience, kindness, and knowledge of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen
Conclusion
My beloved brethren, being spiritually mature is an antidote to being impatient to listen and quick to speak. It simply tells us to engage our ears more than we engage our lips. It also teaches us not to grow angry. To be able to continue to live in our faith we must continue to listen to the word of God and be humble to believe and act on them.
We must endeavor to live a new life. Change our thinking completely to always think in a Godly way. Hearing the word and not putting it into practice will not bring about any form of change or growth. We must simply help ourselves and help others. As a child of God, we need to listen well both to people and God.