Beyond the Weekend

September 14 | Wrong Speed

September 14, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

My dear brothers and sister, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

Read: James 1:19–20
Listen: 
James 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The New Testament book of James is, in many ways, similar to the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Both are extremely practical as they provide down-to-earth wisdom on how to live as God designs for us. It’s as if James has Proverbs on his table as he writes to Jewish Christians about anger and how it can damage their lives. The author of Proverbs tells us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). This parallels the words of James as he writes that we “should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Outbursts of anger do not reflect God’s character and, as a result, are not a good way to live. Intense anger and outbursts can damage and destroy relationships. Angry words, spoken quickly, are often not forgotten even years after they were said.

When we’re not walking in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), our natural inclination is to respond quickly to a disagreement. This is one of the reasons we memorize Scripture. In the heat of the moment, we can quickly “take our foot off the accelerator” when we call to mind a verse we’ve memorized. The verses for this month, James 1:19-20, can do just that.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Work on memorizing this month’s passage, James 1:19-20. It’s one you’ll need at some point down the line. If you’ve been doing this with us all year, review the verses you’ve already learned so far.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

JAMES 1:19–20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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