If one answers before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

(Proverbs 18:13 ESV)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 19:27 ESV  instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

(Proverbs 12:15 ESV)

What does it mean to listen? To me, it means to shut up and pay attention to what someone is saying.

According to Oxford Languages, it is “to take notice of and act on what someone says; respond to advice or a request.”

I still like my answer. Shut up and pay attention. I have this very issue with someone. She will butt into the middle of my sentence. Of course, she is 92 and deaf but still. She could let me at least finish my sentence and wear her hearing aid.

I have noticed that a lot of people are like that these days. They don’t pay attention when someone is talking to them. Let me ask you this. If you fall into this category, do you at least listen when God says something to you? Or do you start talking over Him too?

That’s not a very polite thing to do, especially to God. Do you think God understands? I think He does. After all, He created you. But He did not create you to be rude or impolite. The devil did that. The devil likes to mess with us. He likes to cause chaos and confusion. But we don’t have to live there. We are the children of the King. Yes, we are royalty, but you don’t have to act like the world was made just for you.

I suggest you start clamping your mouth and opening your ears. You might just find others have important things to say. That way you will also hear what God is saying to you. He has important things to tell you but if you won’t shut up long enough you will never find out the truly marvelous things God has for you.

Have a great day.

Kathy Keller
Writer and Prayer warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
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