Contentious world could use James’ age-old advice

“Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath”

How many troubles we could avoid by heeding this counsel from the Apostle James. Husbands with wives, parents and children, neighbor and neighbor. In disagreements, planning our next remarks leaves no ear for words of the opponent. Helping a friend: Our advice so quick we can’t hear the nature of the problem – unaware that a good listener is half the solution.

The panelists on cable news may be entertaining – interrupting, contradicting, never listening. They bring two “experts” on opposite sides, they’re like two ships that pass in the night – barely enough running lights to notice there’s someone else there, let alone actually hear his views. Let us not imitate them, for their manners corrupt all communication.

Try a day’s resolution that you will not interrupt anyone all day, amazing how much discord is avoided. “Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath”.