When you speak, do you reflect joy or anger? James 1:19

Good morning everyone,
You probably have heard the phrase in the past that the Lord blessed you with 2 ears and 1 mouth and that is why we should listen twice as much as we talk!  James 1:19 says, 'This you know my beloved brethren.  But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.'  When you listen, you have ample opportunity to process and decide how you are going to respond (the doing).  When you talk, do you ask the Lord for 'good processing?'  In other words, do you even consider that the Creator that made you can definitely stop what we are not capable of stopping?  See, we get in trouble because we react instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to control the most deadly muscle in our body.  The tongue is ready to spew at any moment if we do not allow the Holy Spirit to intervene and control.  Is your tongue full of ridicule and condemnation or is it full of joy and praise?  The choice is really yours based on every conversation that comes your way.  You may say that you respond the way you do because of your past.  I would agree, but God can totally change you in a moment, if you would allow Him to change you one conversation at a time.  James tells us that we should be quick to hear but then he gives us the instructions of what to do next.  See, hearing is easy.  The tough part (where the Holy Spirit should take over) is listening until you have an opportunity to respond.  Sometimes it might be better to say nothing because someone may just need you to listen and stay quiet!  Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and know that I am God.  Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.  I totally disagree with that old saying!  Words cut deeper than any knife and they can effect the way you go through life.  Isn't it time to allow the Holy Spirit to control you so that you respond with joy and praise?
Your brother in Christ,
p