"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

James 1:19-20

I really enjoy reading in James.  I have gleaned so much from that book over the years.  As an added bonus, our church has just started working through James on Sunday mornings!  I missed last Sunday due to it being the day after our little one was released from the hospital, but I read it aloud to my husband that afternoon and he racapped for me.  The passage above is one that ended up highlighted (yes, I AM a Bible-scribbler ) 

Never in my life have I "wanted" to be slow.  I ran high hurdles in high school...slow was not a good thing there.  I was on the quiz bowl team...slow was not a good thing there.  I cook for a family of 7...slow is not a good thing there.  I hate to shop...slow is not a good thing there.  So, being slow is not really something I have found myself striving toward.  Slow *usually* equals INEFFICIENCY.  But, the Lord's wisdom is not man's wisdom, so....SLOW IS A GOOD THING (when it comes to anger, that is).

If you take your time with someone...listen to them thoroughly...wait for the right moment to speak...refrain from knee-jerk reactions...THEN, the righteousness of the Lord will be produced.  However, just because you were slow, does not mean God's righteouness will somehow magically become fast!  Remember that verse..."WAIT on the Lord" (Ps 27:14a)?  Yet another slow word!

So, I ask you...ARE YOU SLOW?