Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger

I have been going back and forth from James to Revelation, from a book written circa A.D. 56 to one written A.D. 96. Perhaps the reason is that both are dangerous books that make me/us uncomfortable in our A.D. 2024 world when we take their messages seriously. Also, both have been interpreted is a variety of ways.

Assignment: Read James aloud and answer this question, “What descriptive title would you/should we give James? We could play with letters of our alphabet.

P)    Practical Proverbs for the Pious Poor.

E)    Essays on the Essentials for Eternal Existence in a social-Economic Environment.

D)    Difficult Directions for Dedicated Disciples to Do.

B)    Beloved Brothers [and Sisters] Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. Bridle your tongue, Bridle the whole Body also. Bring Back the wandering Brother [and Sister].

C)    Canonical Criticism –James Contra Paul, Complimentary Paul, or Conversation with a Colleague.

W)  Wisdom coming down from above rather than friendship of the World, creates a Wise community.

Which are you? P. E, D, B, C, W or other? You may give me a C- for too much commentary or being too clever. But if I enticed you to read James aloud and think seriously about its message then and its application now that rates at least a B+. There is truth in each of the above interpretations. Today, beginning with a prayer for wisdom I invite you to the reading of James’ appeal to his Beloved Brothers and Sisters, James 1:16-21.

—Tom Yoakum