Living Pauses

S

(Proverbs 18:13) If one gives and answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

O

Answering people is like returning words, like a gift exchange. Our words--sometimes despite our defenses--reveal the depths of our souls (verse 4), they invite others to wound our souls (verse 6), and they handcuff and imprison our souls (verse 7). Conversely, our words can also refresh others (verse 4) and even give life to others (verse 21).

A

It is so easy for me to speak without thinking, or as this verse warns against, to answer before I've actually heard or understood the depth and reality of what the other person tried to communicate. To not listen, then, is to humiliate myself and to invite destruction, and to withhold good from others.

P

Lord, first help me listen to You and actually hear and understand You. In that process, help me to truly hear and understand the people I talk to.