Proverbs 18:13
To answer before listening--that is folly and shame.
There isn't much room for debate here- most would agree. We need to listen to the question or the problem before we can give a reasonable answer. "Read through the entire quiz before you begin to answer any questions." The same applies, I suppose, when in prayer with God. When I ask, do I wait to listen? Do I take the time to reflect and search for God's response to my prayer? Listening is sometimes very difficult, because it requires me to step back, to wait, and to suspend my conclusion.
Holy Lord, help me to listen for you, and to hear you. I know your answers to me may not come quickly, but help me to wait and listen and look for them. Help me to listen to others, patiently and fully, before I respond. Amen
Becky, transforming
Proverbs 18:13
I am so guilty of this. I can’t tell you how many times Jerry has told me not to interrupt and let him finish what he was saying. I am so eager to solve problems, that I offer advice that is not needed and I would know that if I had listened. I do try to listen and wait but often I believe I know the end of the story – I do not!
Prayer: gracious God, help me close my mouth and slow down and listen. I do not need to assume I know the whole story. Amen
Tuesday, January 24th, 2023
Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
To answer before we hear just might make us a fool. One reason for this is that almost all questions asked are based on thinking we know all there is to know. But that is “foolish.” Our attitude should be: What can I learn from this question? The fool thinks he knows all he needs to know. It is arrogant to answer before we hear. Humility does not presume that it knows precisely what a person is asking until the questioner has finished asking the question. How many times have I jumped to a wrong conclusion by starting to formulat…
Proverbs 18:13 Answering “the question” and offering “the solution” before hearing everything describes the guy I see in the mirror each morning. My hope is that I have gotten much better at the listening piece. I cannot recall how many years into our marriage it was, but I believe it was when we lived in Staten Island. Becky one day stopped me before I started bloviating and said something to the effect of, ”Please listen to what I am saying first. I am not asking you for a solution or advice. I am simply trying to tell you something.” I never forgot it, but still occasionally fail to live it. This simple verse is a perfect cap on a week o…
Proverbs 18:13 To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.
This verse tells me to always listen completely before I answer someone. A hasty response is not wise and sometimes will change once you hear the whole story. I have learned to be a good listener. Years ago, I couldn’t wait to answer. I would be so afraid that I would forget what I was going to say, that I would interrupt the person telling the story. How foolish I was to think that I was so important. Now I listen and wait to answer.
Dearest Lord, listening is so very important in this life. Listening is sometimes more important than answering. The person speaking may just need to vent,…