“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in expressing his opinion” —Proverbs 18:2.
Do you know anyone who jibbers on and on barely taking a break between sentences? Being on the other end of the conversation all I need do is interject a few monosyllable responses in between and this talker can carry on a monologue indefinitely!
I, too, have been guilty of talking continuously, not really interested in what the other person has to say about the subject. I must say once the conversation concludes I am not any wiser. What a surprise! Proverbs 18 calls this type of expresser a fool. Ouch!
Ever catch yourself only half listening to a conversation and mostly calculating in your head what you plan to say next? I’ve caught myself doing this. Just waiting until the person takes a breath or pauses so I can interject my words of wisdom.
God, help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak my mind. I realize there’s much to learn from another’s wisdom when I tame my tongue and open my heart.
I need to remember how frustrating it is to be a part of a conversation where someone monopolizes. When I listen and am listened to, I feel respected and my opinions and worth validated.
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