This Scripture can be boiled down to this simple phrase…One should listen well before speaking. That means to listen intently to what the other person is saying, not formulating your answer while you wait for them to take a breath. The Proverbs are full of why we should pay attention when someone is speaking to us. “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.” (Proverbs 18:13) “Let the wise listen…” (Proverbs 1:5) and “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” (Proverbs 17:27) When we blurt out opinions on matters that we’ve not taken the trouble to hear carefully first, we show ourselves as prideful and arrogant, and that what we believe is the only correct answer. Listening well takes discernment, discretion, and prudence on our part…but what will follow is sound judgment in making right decisions with full understanding.
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