Look smart, keep quiet

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Kings 13:1–14:29 
Acts 18:23–19:12 
Psalm 146:1-10 
Proverbs 18:2-3

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 18:2 "A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In our Verse for Today, we find ourselves considering a type of person that is labeled a fool. They get that label because they talk too much.

When we look at Proverbs 18:2, we realize that the fool has a limited well of knowledge. Yet, they want to show off their limited knowledge so they talk ... and talk ... and talk.

Further, Proverbs 18:2 says that they "(do) not delight in understanding." This points to the fact that when they are talking, they aren't learning. 

It's only as we listen that we can learn. But, since the fool is intent on spouting off what he or she knows, they limit their ability to gain more knowledge.

So, today, don't be a fool. 

Listen. 

Truly listen. 

Listen so that you can learn. 

Listen so that you can hear what people are really saying. 

Listen so that you can hear what the author of a book is saying. 

Listen to God's Word so that you can hear what He is saying.

And as you listen, you will learn. 

And as you learn, you will be able to gain more knowledge out of which you can bless others. But, even then, try to listen much more than you speak.

Let me leave you with a verse from God's Word and then a quote from an American author:

James 1:19 (CSB) "My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..."

Samuel Clemens (a.k.a Mark Twain): "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."

The benefit of listening (and not talking)

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Leviticus 22:17–23:44 
Mark 9:30–10:12 
Psalm 44:1-8 
Proverbs 10:19

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 10:19 "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Someone has said that God gave us two ears and only one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we speak.

Yet, most of us apparently didn't get the memo. We talk much more than we listen.

And that's too bad. Because we typically aren't learning anything when we talk. We really only learn when we are listening attentively to others.

The verse for today further tells us that when we speak too much, we may end up sinning. Maybe we will betray a confidence. Maybe we will spread slanderous gossip on someone else. Maybe we will exaggerate a story to impress others. Maybe we will speak and not care for the one to whom we are speaking (1 Corinthians 13:1). The possibilities of sinning with our speech are endless.

Yet, there is a simple cure. Let's listen more. When you are in conversation with someone, ask an open ended question and then listen. Then ask another question and listen. When people realize that you are a good listener, you will never lack for friends.