Principles of Communication

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 (KJV)

Beloved in the Greek means one who is loved.

Brethren means one of the same womb.

Swift means speedily, and pictures one who runs as fast as he can to finish first.

Slow means slow, the opposite of quick, not hasty. To be slow, to delay, and pictures one sailing slowly.

Wrath means any natural impulse or desire, but came to signify anger or quick-tempered.

This verse tells us that our repsonse is important. We must respond correctly in every situation. We are loved of God; we came from His womb. We are born-again, born of His Spirit. We can and must respond well, or we can’t expect good results.

This is a good passage to apply to hearing from and talking to God. We can apply this to get the answers to handle life the way God wants us to. It is a principle of communication with God, ourselves, and other people.

We are to be quick to listen to God. Instead of rushing around looking for answers, get still and know God to hear and receive information that will enable you to finish your race. Be slow to speak in order to hear God and others.

Good communication is more about listening than it is about speaking. It leads to fewer misspoken words and fewer missteps. We’ll stay in step with God and others. We won’t be hasty, and we’ll make fewer poor decisions.

Right decisions lead to right actions. This will make us slow to wrath and keep us under control. As we sit under God’s wings and in His presence, we will respond to the love of God. We won’t respond in anger, which never works. We’ll hear and speak and act appropriately. We’ll love God, ourselves, and our neighbors. We’ll be better listeners, making us better communicators. Then we’ll act right and get right results.