Learning To Listen

Fools have no interest in understanding;they only want to air their own opinions.

Proverbs 18:2

Well, this is quite a statement. Fools, it appears, only think there is one side to the story: their side. Forget about trying to help them understand your side. Their minds are made up. I think most of us know of someone like that. But the most important thing we can learn today about this is . . . not to be like that.

James 1:19 tells us, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (NIV).

So then let’s learn to be better listeners. Here are some random tips.

• Everyone knows at least one thing that you don’t know. It’s amazing what you can learn when you listen.
• Ask more questions. When people make statements and you don’t agree, ask them why they believe that way. Maybe as they explain, you’ll understand them better, but maybe they will also see they don’t have a valid explanation.
• Listen with more than your ears. People give off emotional signals of how they’re feeling. Pay attention.
• Let others speak first. Hear them out. Don’t interrupt.
• Use affirming and confirming statements like “I hear what you’re saying.” Sometimes repeat a key word back to them.
• And one of the most important things you’ll ever do when you listen is give eye contact.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Since we’re on the topic of learning to be a good listener, may I ask you a very important question? Do you know how to listen to the voice of God? Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27, NKJV). Are you born again; does his Spirit live within you? If so, the Lord himself can and will speak to you. Here’s a tool to help you. Turn to Psalm 146:1-10. As you read, underline the words or phrases that seem important. Circle two that stand out. Now write out two lessons from the two facts you circled—for example, verse 7: “The Lord gives freedom” (NKJV). Ask the Lord to speak to your heart regarding the lessons you discovered and to show you how to apply them. There—do you see? Just by pausing to listen, you hear.

One Year Bible Reading

2 Kings 13:1–14:29; Acts 18:23–19:12; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 18:2-3