God has me study the Book of James. What does the Book of James means to you?

I want to talk about the Book of James Chapter 1. Which verse or verses you like in Chapter 1 ?James Chapter 1 we learn how Christians are to deal with trials and temptations that undoubtedly will come our way. We also learn that we are to be not only to be hearers, but doers of the Word of God.  The verse I like is verse 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
 6 Perfect things in James 1:4

• Perfect work of patience (1:4)
• Perfect knowledge (Phil.3:15)
• Perfect gifts (1:17)
• Perfect law of liberty (1:25)
• Perfect faith by works (2:22)
• Perfect man by restraint (3:2)

 Why should we be swift to hear and slow to speak as James teaches us in James Chapter 1 verse 19? What are three things we can do to become “faster” hearers and “slower” speakers?

We should be swift to hear and slow to speak because it will promote peace and understanding in our relationships with one another. We want peace because, as verse 20 says, an angry man does not bring about or work the righteousness of God. It is better to esteem others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

To become a faster hearer:

• Don’t interrupt
• Listen with a focus on understanding
• Try to paraphrase the information back to the speaker if possible
• Take notes while listening
• Don’t speak while listening
• Remove distractions
• Concentrate on what is being said
• Listen with the intent on understanding why the message is being provided
• Discern if there is some action required on the part of the listener
• Give non-verbal encouragement to the speaker to show him or her you are engaged in the act of listening intently
• Ask God to give you patience to understand the speaker
• Pray that God will allow you to understand clearly
• Ask clarifying questions – “What do you mean by. . .”
• Ask confirming questions - “Are you saying that if. . . “
• Try to avoid thinking of how you will respond while the other person is speaking

To become a slower speaker:

• Wait until the person is finished talking before you speak (see #1 above)
• Pray silently before you speak
• Pause before answering
• Say, “Let me think about that for a second.” and do it
• “Hold your peace” or wait until someone asks your opinion before you speak
• Choose your words carefully and deliberately
• Be concise and to the point
• Before offering a response or speaking consider whether your proposed speech is in line with God’s Word
• Before you speak, ask yourself “Is this how Jesus would respond?”
• If possible seek the counsel of a fellow Christian to formulate a response