Listen before Answering
Americans are not good listeners most of the time. We hear what another person appears to be saying, and then, we stop listening to the rest, so we can decide what we will respond. Most people are more concerned about their response than what the other person has to say. That is why so few people really understand other people fully. We need to cultivate good listening. That is what Solomon told us many years ago, but it is yet to sink in. (Proverbs 18:13) We need to think about what he said, so we can prevent folly and shame in our lives.
Answering without listening first is a sign of pride. We think we know enough, so we do not think that listening will help us. It is also a sign that we do not know how to love and value others in our life. To ignore someone is actually one of the worst things we can do to them. It gives them the feeling of rejection, whether we intend to do that or not. Also, when we answer before we hear a matter fully, we show the folly in our mind and heart. We are showing others that we do not know the right way to think and act, which leads us to make wrong decisions and say the wrong things, which make us look very foolish. Then, when we act foolishly, we bring shame on ourselves. Neither is good for us in our lives. Let's all decide to listen first, then to answer when we have really understood what the other person was sharing with us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 19-21.
Answering without listening first is a sign of pride. We think we know enough, so we do not think that listening will help us. It is also a sign that we do not know how to love and value others in our life. To ignore someone is actually one of the worst things we can do to them. It gives them the feeling of rejection, whether we intend to do that or not. Also, when we answer before we hear a matter fully, we show the folly in our mind and heart. We are showing others that we do not know the right way to think and act, which leads us to make wrong decisions and say the wrong things, which make us look very foolish. Then, when we act foolishly, we bring shame on ourselves. Neither is good for us in our lives. Let's all decide to listen first, then to answer when we have really understood what the other person was sharing with us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 19-21.