"Swift To Hear, Slow To Speak, And Slow To Wrath"
James 1:19

Introduction:
A. If you were to travel completely around the world, you would
   hear many different forms of communication. One might use 
   drums to communicate, while another might use smoke. On our 
   trip to Ireland we heard people speaking Celtic (Irish) and 
   English, although the English that they speak is not the 
   same as we speak. It can make communication very difficult 
   at times.
B. Frequently we are misunderstood or misunderstand others. 
   Some examples of this can be found in these real headlines 
   written by professional writers; "Police Begin Campaign To 
   Run Down Jaywalkers," "Eye Drops Off Shelf," "Squad Helps 
   Dog Bite Victim," "Miners Refuse To Work After Death," "Two 
   Sisters Reunited After 18 Years In Checkout Counter." "Red 
   Tape Holds Up New Bridge," "Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; 
   Hundreds Killed," "Kids Make Nutritious Snacks," "Local High
   School Dropouts Cut In Half."
C. Yet, in spite of this, speech is very important. Without it, 
   we would have an even more difficult time communicating with 
   each other. The writer of Proverbs said, "A word fitly 
   spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" 
   (Prov. 25:11). Other passages of the Bible also show the 
   importance of speech (Matt. 12:37; Col. 4:6). Even when he 
   wanted to deny the Lord, Peter was recognized by his speech 
   (Matt. 26:73).
D. We want to look specifically at what the writer James had to
   say about the subject of speech in this lesson.

I. "Swift To Hear..." 
   A. It is more important to hear than to be heard - 
      Mk. 12:29-30
   B. The first act of communication is to listen
      1. Used to be considered rude to interrupt a person while
         he or she is speaking
      2. Still is with most
         a. How often is this done?
         b. How often interrupt mentally?
         c. How often do we turn someone off because we think 
            we know what he or she is going to say?
         d. How often do we begin formulating an answer in our 
            minds before the speaker has finished?
      3. Need to learn to listen

II. "Slow To Speak…"
   A. Making words express thoughts is not easy
      1. Take time to choose right word
      2. Consider cumulative effect?
   B. The unbuttoned lip hurts - Prov. 10:19; 11:13; Psa 39:1
   C. Gossip hurts
      1. Usually takes two forms
         a. Malicious statements of truth
         b. Uninformed spreading of speculation
      2. Gossip hurts the one being gossiped about
         a. Confidences are to be kept
         b. Confidences betrayed may be fatal
      3. Gossip hurts the gossiper - Jas. 1:26
   D. Watch your mouth - Jas 3:2-18
      1. Flippant mouth - Ex. 20:7
         a. Euphemism - "a mild or agreeable expression 
            substituted for a realistic description of 
            something disagreeable"
         b. Common euphemisms: "My lord", "Gee whiz", "Gee", 
            "Gosh", "Golly", "Gad", "Darn", etc.
         c. Also can be called smart mouth
      2. Foaming mouth - Jude 10, 13
      3. Fiery mouth - Jas 3:6
      4. Flattering mouth - Psa. 12:3
      5. Froward mouth - Prov. 4:24
      6. Foolish mouth - Eph. 5:4
      7. False mouth - Tit. 1:11
      8. Filthy mouth - Col. 3:8

III. "Slow To Wrath..."
   A. One may become angry about what one merely imagines
      1. Should not assume one has received the message 
         correctly
      2. Should not assume one knows clearly and perfectly what
         is in the heart of the communicator
         a. Cf. "I hear what your are saying, but I know what 
            you are thinking..."
         b. One cannot know another’s thoughts except as they 
            are expressed - 1 Cor. 2:11
   B. Wrath work of flesh - Gal. 5:19-26
   C. Not Christian trait - Eph. 4:31; 6:4; 1 Tim 2:8

Conclusion:
A. Communication is important. But it is a two way street. We 
   must not only know how to express our thoughts, but must 
   learn to understand others spoken thoughts also.
B. If we spend more time listening and less time talking, we 
   will eliminate many of the misunderstanding that we have.