Listening

Proverbs 21:28 ESV
“A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.”

Please understand what Solomon is saying. He is not just referring to a person that lies will perish as in death. What he is saying is; if you live by a lie you will die by a lie, or if you spread lies, those lies will come back on you and you will pay the consequences.

It is obvious, in relating to the entire verse, that the false witness never really listens with His heart and mind and gives close attention to the truth. The next part of this verse says, “…but the word of a man who hears will endure.” In other words when we really listen, we gain insight, direction, wisdom, understanding, truth, and justice. When we gain all of these things, then our words will reflect what we have learned.

Truly listening to someone shows that we care about their thoughts. Listening involves not just hearing their words but truly understanding the meaning behind their thoughts and words. Listening means being present.

Put the phone down and listen. Turn off the tv and listen. Look at the person speaking, make eye contact, watch their emotion as they speak. Ask questions for clarity. Say something like, “I’m hearing this, is that what you mean,” or paraphrase what they are saying to show you are trying to understand.

Encourage them, tell them that you understand them. Do not listen just to respond as so many do, sometimes it is better to listen and gain understanding than it is to respond. When this is accomplished, our words and wisdom will last a lifetime because people have seen that we care and understand.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a good listener. Help me to know when to listen and be silent and attentive. Help me to know when to speak words of understanding and wisdom. In Your name Lord Jesus I ask, Amen!