SEPTEMBER 4

Be a Good Listener

Proverbs 20:12

SO LITTLE TODAY IS LISTENED TO —I mean really taken in.

A wonderful illustration for this is children. They express their feelings. Down deep in their inner, fragile heart-wells are numerous needs, questions, hurts, longings, and even funnies. Like a tiny bucket, their tongues splash out these things. The preoccupied, busy, insensitive parent is steamrolling through the day, missing many a cue and sailing right past a choice moment never to be repeated or retrieved.

Or how about the person we encounter who is living without Christ? Unless we’re careful, we quickly shoot from the hip, then immediately go for the scalp. Sure, the gospel must be shared, but we must also take the time to listen patiently and then respond calmly and thoughtfully. This approach softens the hearts of skeptics.

What are the ingredients of good listening? Care for the person speaking. Time. Unselfishness. Concentration. Focused eye contact. Sensitivity. Tolerance. Patience. Self-control. And —perhaps most of all —allowing space for silence while the other person tries to get the words out. Wise is the listener who doesn’t feel compelled to fill up all the blank spaces with random verbiage.

Solomon stated it succinctly:

Ears to hear and eyes to see —both are gifts from the LORD.

PROVERBS 20:12

We have been given two ears and two eyes but only one mouth. That ought to tell us something! As James puts it, we should be “quick to listen [and] slow to speak” (James 1:19). I challenge you to join me in becoming a better listener. With your mate. Your friends. Your kids. Your employees. Your teacher. Your pupils. Your clients. Your fellow Christians. Especially with those who are lost. Take the time and offer eyes to see —look the other person in the eye (set your cell phone down!) and open your ears. What a difference that will make!