Always Right

Always Right

Howard Cosell, the great commentator on Monday Night Football, was a man of strong opinion. Cosell was controversial, and he would rarely back down from others with his “take” on things, including his support of Muhammad Ali. Cosell was known to have said of his style, “Mommy, why does Daddy cuss the TV and call it Howard?”

Many on sports radio have taken this approach with their enthusiasm and opinion, but they lack the skill and wisdom of Cosell. This turns off the listeners because it is hard to continually listen to someone who thinks that he or she is always right.

Have you ever been around people who think they are always right? They love to tell you what you think. They love to put their two cents in, even when it doesn’t concern them. When you try to contribute to the conversation, it is hard to get a word in edgewise.

Proverbs 12:15 says, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Clearly there are two options for us to choose: the way of the fool, who isn’t teachable, or the way of the wise, who is willing to stop and listen. If you choose the way of the fool, don’t be surprised when your circle of community dwindles over time. It may take a little while for others to figure it out, but eventually they will fall away because no one delights in one-sided relationships.

A significant part of finding wisdom is simply being found listening. Delight in listening before airing your own opinion. You may just learn something about the other person, about life, and about yourself.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 12:15