"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."—James 1:19
During trials, the believer is given three admonitions. These admonitions are good for all Christians at all times, whether or not in the midst of trials. However, they are especially given for those enduring trials.
1. Be Swift to Hear.
The first thing we need to hear is the Word of God. There is nothing more important for anyone—especially people in trials—than the blessed, unchanging Word of God.
Next, we need be swift to hear the counsel of other good Christians. Sometimes, in the midst of trials, our minds get foggy; and if we're not careful, Satan will confuse us. Sometimes we need counsel from other Christians.
2. Be Slow to Speak.
In the midst of trials, especially if they're what we consider serious trials, we may find ourselves wanting to pour out all our thoughts and feelings. Thus we must restrain this inclination. No one ever learns anything while talking.
Another reason to be slow to speak during trials is that sometimes we may be in so much pain we might say things we shouldn't say.
3. Be Slow to Wrath.
The order in Ephesians 4:31-32 is:
Bitterness
Wrath
Anger
Clamor
Evil Speaking
Malice
Anger is like throwing gasoline on the fire. That's when wrath bursts into flames. Following anger comes clamor. That's an outburst- hollering and screaming. That is followed by evil speaking, which is followed by malice. Evil speaking means saying things that are designed to hurt people. Finally, malice is the desire to hurt someone physically. So you see what wrath, if not dealt with, can lead to.
We must guard against wrath when we're undergoing trials or suffering!
—taken from 'Responding Properly to Trials' by Dr. Curtis Hutson.
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