Be a Listener

Proverbs 18:13, “He that answerth a matter before he hearth it, it is folly
and a shame to him.”

I love God’s Word – it is so pertinent to our lives. It not only covers the Spiritual aspect – how to be saved and how to have the assurance that we will spend eternity in Heaven. It also covers how we are to live in a manner that will please God and help us to get along with others. (We just covered the subject of speaking softly, which can diffuse the most tense situation.)

This verse is basically telling us not to jump to conclusions. This can be a problem for a lot of us. We need to get the facts (all the facts) before we give an answer concerning a matter. We half hear, we half see, and then we give our opinion. God is saying this is unwise and a shame to us.

I’m sure you’ve been on both sides of this situation. You have been relating a thought and the person you are talking to assumes where you are going and jumps in and takes over. The problem is that they are taking it in a total different direction from what you intended. On the flip side, you have done the same thing to others. It is a common fault with people – we don’t listen!

Here is some practical advice from God, Himself. He says to stand back and understand the whole of a matter before you evaluate it. Be a good listener. Understand all the facts – only then give an opinion. Good advice!

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