“We All Should Be Slow To Speak, Quick to Listen”

Proverbs 10:19

Slow is defined as to moving or proceeding with little or less than usual speed; unhurried; delaying; reluctant; gradual.

Our mouths get us into a lot of trouble. We profess to believe one thing, but then we are often betrayed by what comes out of our mouths. Jesus said, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. When we discipline ourselves to listen more than we talk, we can learn a lot. Big talkers are hard to teach. They think they already know everything they need to know, and they constantly express their opinions. Wise people have learned that more wisdom can be gained by listening, observing, and not rushing to judgment. Many relationships have been damaged or ruined because we were slow to listen and quick to speak. We should be careful about the kinds of people we spend a lot of time listening to. In Psalms 1 it warns us not to listen to the foolish or the wicked. James instructed believers to maintain trust in God, even during hard times. In fact, believers are to consider their hardships as "joy," since trials are how God strengthens our faith. Those who trust and obey God learn to adjust the speed of their listening and speaking. If God is truly in control, we can afford to take the time to understand. Rather than shooting from the hip, we can respond in a way that is helpful. Doubting that God is in control speeds up our mouth and slows down our mind. 

I come by this afternoon to let you know being quick to listen actually opens the door to greater communication because listening shows respect and when people feel respected, they are more likely to return that respect and listen to us. It’s 

important for us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. God’s word is the best way. When we follow it, we are blessed. Be bless and I love you!!! JE