Proverbs 18:2 – “A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart…13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”  NKJV

            I have been around people who no matter what the situation or event another was relating seemed compelled to chime in saying, “That was nothing…” as they proceeded to tell their event(s) that topped the account.  I have been around those in church, business and politics whose greatest desire is to ‘be heard’ or to ‘express their opinion’ often at the expense or disregard of the pathway of conversation.  When something is being related they will often butt in and give an answer before they hear the question.  The Bible calls that person a FOOL. 

You may not like calling anyone a FOOL but you have to admit it is both offensive and foolish to conduct oneself in that manner.  It is an evidence that the individual has little or no interest in the circumstances of others or the purpose of the discussion.  It is an evidence that the focus of their heart is SELF so in a sense it is talking a selfie with words and is counterproductive to any rational or reasoned discussion.  Even if the person is unaware that they are dominating the conversation with SELF it screams to everyone involved that they are without interest in understanding.  That will result in people finding excuses to avoid them over time and they will become isolated.

I have learned that one of the most important components in effective communication is detailed and careful listening.  If I listen more than I speak I find an unveiling of the hearts and motives of others and can more effectively speak to the situation and heart.  If before you conclude your sentence I am beginning mine you are put off for my action indicates that what you are saying is of little interest to me.  Some engage in a conversation or discussion and rather than listening to what is said they are thinking and formulating their response to what they perceive is going to be said.  Sometimes they are correct and often they miss the heart and details of what is being said and their response, though reasoned and possibly well phrased is off the mark.

If we are trying to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ and engage in that type communication we will find that those outside the family will become unresponsive to our message.  I experienced this as I observed a fellow Christian attempt to witness to a person who was not a believer.  The unbeliever had questions and presented ideas that this believer failed to hear because they were engaging in the type of behavior I have described.  The unbeliever was so put off as they felt, and rightly so, the believer was not truly interested in their concerns, arguments, questions or thoughts.  They felt that this person witnessing to them was only interested in hearing the sound of their own voice.  How do I know that?  They later told me as much.  I tried to diffuse the criticism and at the same time listen carefully and in so doing over time was able to plant seed that germinated in to spiritual fruit over time.

Don’t be that person but be one who hears the conclusion of the whole matter before rendering a judgment.  Be a person that reserves his answer until he hears the matter fully.  Be a person that is slow to speak and swift to hear.  Be a person that listens for the heart as well as the words.  Become a LISTENER and you will also become a better COMMUNICATOR.

            God bless you as you go through your day!