Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read James 3
Taming the tongue and wisdom
James writes two besetting sins of the teachers— intemperate speech (1-12), and arrogance (13-18).
Taming the tongue is his instruction. “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speaking and slow to become angry.” (1:19). It is the way how to keep oneself from stumbling in speech.
True wisdom is not human achievement, but is from God and it reveals itself in a good life— pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, good fruit, impartiality and sincerity.
King Solomon asked God for wisdom to govern his kingdom, “give your servant listening heart to govern your people.” (1 Kings 3:9). He was known as a king of wisdom, and his wisdom came from his listening heart.
A joke is told that why did God make two ears but one mouth. Because God made us to listen more than to speak.
After Reading —- Reflection and prayer.
- Reflect on this question, “What does God speak to me today in this chapter?
- Pray that God’s word today be the way, the life, and the truth to you.
- Live it out through the day.
