The Sloth - A Lesson on Being Slow to Anger, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Judge

# The Sloth

The sloth, called "sloth" in English, has the scientific name Folivora. Sloths live in the branches of forests in Central and South America, where they are safe from predators like jaguars. There are two types of sloths: the two-toed sloth (Megalonychidae) and the three-toed sloth (Bradypodidae). The sloth's claws are very long and curved like a sickle blade, which helps it hook onto tree branches and hang suspended on branches for long periods. The sloth is the slowest-moving mammal in the world! When on the ground, sloths move at a maximum speed of about 3 meters (9.8 feet) per minute. Two-toed sloths generally have better ability to move between bushes on the ground than three-toed sloths. However, in water, the sloth is surprisingly a powerful swimmer; they can reach speeds of 13.5 meters (44 feet) per minute.(1)

Their slowness is due to adaptations related to their diet. Sloths only eat leaves that are low in nutrients and calories. This means sloths have a slow-moving lifestyle because they have less energy than other animals. Slow movement helps them conserve energy. Furthermore, their slow movement is also a survival skill. Sloths move slowly to avoid predators or animals lying in wait. Generally, carnivores react to the movement of their prey; therefore, the sloth's slow movement does not attract attention and does not draw the attention of carnivorous animals. Isn't that remarkable, my friend?

For Christians, sometimes we also need to move slowly—slow to anger, slow to speak, slow to judge. So that we won't regret being quick to anger, quick to speak, and quick to judge others! We need to control our own anger, speech, and behavior. The Apostle James advised that, "...let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19). God's Word reminds us in Proverbs that, "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly" (Proverbs 14:29); "A wrathful man stirreth up strife; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife" (Proverbs 15:18); "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32); "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone" (Proverbs 25:15).

Moreover, in our relationships with others, we also need to be slow to speak, to think carefully before speaking, and not to speak hastily or carelessly. As the ancients said, "Words cost nothing to buy; choose words to speak that please one another." The Proverbs also teach us to be slow to speak, to speak little, so that we do not stumble in our words. "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that refrraineth his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19); "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding" (Proverbs 17:28); "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles" (Proverbs 21:23); "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but frowardness therein is a breach in the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4).

Furthermore, our God is One who is "slow to anger and plenteous in mercy"; therefore, we need to imitate Him—slow to anger, slow to judge others. The prophet Joel exhorted the people, saying, "Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil" (Joel 2:13). We should live with gratitude toward God, for He is "slow to anger and plenteous in mercy," God is "gracious and merciful" to His people. Because of this we are not destroyed, but through faith in the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, we have eternal life in God's glorious Kingdom! We must be careful in all things—in our thoughts, speech, and actions, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2). I pray that the Holy Spirit will teach us to live slowly—slow to anger, slow to speak, slow to judge, but quick to listen to God's Word and obey it, quick to follow the Lord; so that we are not tempted by the devil and do not sin against God, but become more and more like the image of God, always relying on His power and living as light that shines forth His eternal love—the One who is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy, so that all people may know God and turn to accept Him as the Savior of their souls! Thank you, Lord! Amen!

Slow to anger, slow to speak, slow to judge, Learn from the Holy Image—the merciful One, Quick to hear God's Word, quick to obey, Live righteously all life long, with blessings to spare! Be careful in all things, do not rush, Peace, trust in God's mighty power, May we shine as light for all mankind, To know the Father's love forever remains!

(1) "Sloth", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloth "Lười (động vật)", https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Di_(%C4%91%E1%BB%99ng_v%E1%BA%ADt)

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