A RELATIONAL TIP
PROVERBS 18:13
PROVERBS 18:13 NKJ
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.
Proverbs has such good practical wisdom. But spiritual things are not weird. They are the wisdom of God.
Verse thirteen is such a simple verse, it's easy to skip over it.
Answering a matter before you hear it. This has caused a major amount of trouble in my life and especially in my marriage. Joy will start to tell me something, and I will interrupt her and start talking. I wish I had five dollars for every time she has told me, "Let me finish." I am certain I am the only one who has ever done this, so don't judge. Just indulge me for a moment.
The challenge of answering before we hear completely is a function of our tendency to not listen well. And if truth be told, good listeners are not a common commodity. Too often, people are speaking, and we are more focused on our answer than we are on what they are actually saying. Proverbs says this is no Bueno. Actually, Proverbs says this is folly and a shame to us. Ouch.
APPLICATION:
Now for the good news. Listening skills can be developed. The executive pastor of The Ark, Phillip Moore, is one of the best listeners I know. He has plenty of wisdom and a lot to add to a conversation, but he rarely interrupts. He waits until the other person is finished and will often repeat back what they said to make sure he understands clearly. And he rarely has to come back and apologize or ask forgiveness for misspeaking.
James said to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:9). How many relationship problems would be so solved by practicing this verse!
This is a great goal for 2022. To become a better listener. And as we do, we'll become wiser people in the process.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, teach me how to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I desire to walk in Your wisdom.