Listen Well

Series: Hear Me

Proverbs 18:13 ESV

As we are made in the image of God we must consider the possibility that like God, we have a desire to be heard and understood. However, there is a catch. Listening well is paramount.

After all…no one would look forward to speaking to another who isn’t really listening.

Proverbs 18:13 wise Solomon wrote, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

The Message is even more to the point…”Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.”

Have I mentioned that I love the Message version? Especially in this verse the translation is to the point.

We are also reminded in addition to listening well to the one speaking we agree not to interrupt. Cutting off someone who is speaking is a common problem in today’s world.

The problem with that can be navigating the flow of conversation when the person speaking “hogs the floor”. It’s as much a problem now as it was in Solomon’s day.

While we are mindful of those who “hog the floor” it can be managed. We can drop careful clues. We learned in college communication classes that hand motions can speak eons. Holding up our pointing finger gives the speaker a clue to share the floor.

If the person speaking is a conversation narcissist who simply thinks they are the only person in the room worthy to speak and they continue even after you’ve given clues you have to ask yourself if they really care about you. After all if they are self-focused we must face the fact they are self-focused.

If that is the case we have a decision to make. In Solomon’s proverb we are warned if others are simply not willing to take turns with the conversation, exiting the room is appropriate.

That situation gives way to an “oops, gotta go” moment.

Solomon’s underlying point is that God believes we matter and we need to treat others like they matter as well. In other words, be the person who loves well enough to listen well. If the other person chooses not to listen (therefore not to love well in return) walking away and praying silently for them may be your best option.

Deborah/acrazyjourney.com