Devotionals

Home Devotionals Be Slow to Speak

Be Slow to Speak

A devotional by Grace To You for reading on June 4th

"Let everyone be . . . slow to speak" ( James 1:19 19 Ye know `this', my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ).

Don’t rush into the role of a Bible teacher.

It is reported that when the Scottish Reformer John Knox was called to preach, he shed many tears and withdrew himself to the privacy of his room. He was grieved and greatly troubled at the prospect of such an awesome responsibility. Only the compelling grace of the Holy Spirit Himself enabled Knox to fulfill his calling.

John Knox understood the importance of being slow to speak. He knew that God holds teachers of the Word accountable for what they say, and will dispense a stricter judgment to them if they violate their ministry ( James 3:1- Chapter 3 1 Be not many `of you' teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment. 2).

In one sense, God holds everyone accountable for what they say. You are to "let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph. 4:29). But being slow to speak doesn't refer to vocabulary or opinions. It refers to teaching the Word. You are to pursue every opportunity to hear God's Word, but exercise reluctance in assuming the role of a teacher. Why? Because the tongue reveals the subtle sins of one's heart and easily offends others ( James 2:2 2 For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; ).

Does that mean you should never teach the Bible? No, because God commands every believer to "make disciples . . . teaching them to observe all" that Jesus taught (Matt. 28:19-20, emphasis added). And the Spirit gifts many believers to be preachers and teachers of the Word. Paul said, "I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16).

You must take every opportunity to share the gospel with others, and if God has called and gifted you to teach the Word, be faithful to do so. But remember, those are serious and sacred responsibilities. Be sure your motives are pure and your teaching accurate. If someone is offended, let it be by the convicting power of the Word, not by something you said at an unguarded moment.

Suggestions for Prayer

Ask the Lord to teach you to guard your tongue and to speak only what is edifying to others.

For Further Study

Read Proverbs 10:19 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely. , 13:3, 17:28, and 29:20, noting what each teaches about wise speech.

Additional Resources

The content above belongs exclusively to Grace To You - Drawing Near and is provided on HopeLife.org for purely non-profit purposes to help extend the reach of their ministry.