Words of Wisdom #6

James has been addressing how we deal with trials and temptations in our lives and now says this:
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Again, it's a matter of our response: how will we react when we feel we are being attacked? As I heard recently: "anger is not a spiritual gift." Anger itself does not bring about positive change - in our own lives or those with whom we disagree. When we see those words filthiness and wickedness, we automatically think blatant outward sin.  But it is the heart that is desperately wicked, and filthiness has to do more with the words and thoughts we might use in our reactions.  These need to be "put away" and we need to pull out meekness - a humility of soul - along with the words of truth we have planted as seeds in our hearts and minds.  Our reactions - good or evil - have a long-lasting effect on our lives and relationships.