A Daily Devotion for Friday, September 1

Proverbs 18:2,13

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

To answer before listening--that is folly and shame.

These verses from proverbs really hit home for me In the work that I do, it is imperative that I do more listening than talking. But I have been on the other end of this equation any number of times, as well. There is nothing more discouraging than receiving a response to a concern, only to realize our concern wasn't correctly heard in the first place. Sometimes we need to listen for a very long time, and then say very little. This is often the most meaningful communication. Being heard is more important than being answered.

Holy Lord, Help me to be a good listener, and to be less concerned about expressing an opinion. You are the ultimate listener, hearing all of my concerns, but letting me know in many ways that I am heard. Amen

Becky, transforming