It’s been rightly said that God gave us two ears and one mouth, not two mouths and one ear, so listen more than you speak. We certainly would have many less misunderstandings and miscommunications in our life.
Yet because we don’t always grasp the obvious, God’s Word leans in with this exhortation: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Such counsel is absolutely essential in our relationships.
Doesn’t it amaze you that we have seminars and classes on public speaking yet nothing on personal listening? Actually, you probably never gave much thought about it.
Yes, the art of listening has been lost; if indeed, it had ever been discovered. The moment Eve gave ear to Satan in the garden and Adam gave ear to Eve about the forbidden fruit, our hearing fell to corruption. We simply struggle to fully listen to others.
Thankfully, the Word Himself came to rescue us from ourselves – our own sin. And as His people, He speaks into our lives through His Word every time we open it. How well are you listening? You cannot obey Him if you are not hearing Him.
So open wide your ears to listen to the all-wise, all-present, all-powerful God. Be still as you close your lips and give listen to His perfect insight. Your relationship with Him will greatly improve.