Day 181 – Listen BEFORE you speak.
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16 – 18
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13
God’s given you 2 ears and 1 mouth, so He must want you to listen more than speak. These are the words I tell my children often. It’s one of those things I’ve learned the hard way, and it’s something I’ve seen adults do very poorly. I’m hopeful that if I say it on repeat to my children that the annoyance of it will teach them to do it before they learn the hard way.
Over the years I’ve learned that a listening ear is a humble ear, the more you listen the less you fall. Whereas when someone speaks all the time, they are normally trying to control the situation and prove their worth in the room, eventually they fall because they didn’t take the time to hear the wisdom of others. When we listen, we learn what’s truly going on, naturally rising in wisdom not falling in folly.
In 1 King 3, Solomon was sitting on the throne when 2 prostitutes came in disputing over the life of a child. He naturally has authority, he was King, but he sat and listened to both womens’ claims. Solomon never interrupted, he just waited until everyone said what they had to say and the time was right to speak. He pondered their words and answered in wisdom. Then from the wisdom that was spoke, the true mom came forth, the child’s life was saved, and the nation of Israel became in awe of Solomon’s wisdom.
And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.
1 Kings 3:28
Solomon didn’t have to cut these women off or tell them he was ruler or show them his credentials; he listened and through listening, wisdom and honor came forth.
Now of days there are many opportunities to speak our mind, throw around our opinions, and provide our credentials to demand our way and prove our worth. However, in doing such things, not only do we push people away but we also divide groups and nations.
If we are truly wanting to help, if we really want things to get better, to change our families, our work, our world, to magnify the Lord, we have to be willing to listen. Then, when the time is right, we can speak truth, and wisdom will prevail.
Running 2 Fly 