Speak Little and Calmly Listen

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. – (Proverbs 17:27, NIV) 

The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. – (Proverbs 17:27, MSG) 

Those with knowledge know when to be quiet, and those with understanding know how to remain calm. – (Proverbs 17:27, VOICE) 

Right now, I know that there is much that I do not know. In this space of ignorance, I am meant to read, listen and learn, and use words with restraint. The more that I learn, the more that I must remain calm and process the insight and understanding that I gain. It is only through difficult self-reflection and true commitment to change, that I will grow in understanding of how I can best use words wisely. Because every fiber of my being understands and desires to love as I am called to love, I will say little and calmly listen to much. God calls us to listen and learn and to calmly speak with wisdom. If we truly want to love, we must listen and learn first. May we seek the Lord for wisdom and understanding, as we quietly pursue knowledge to truly see how to love best. 

May we seek listen, 

In quiet pursuit; 

Of understanding, 

So, we may love true. 

For wisdom speaks less, 

And listens much more; 

To love as we’re called, 

Better than before. 

Purposeful seeking, 

Leads to better way; 

To love each other, 

Throughout all our days. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to use wisdom and insight to choose our words carefully. Thank You that as we seek You, You are faithful to show us new understanding so that we may love as You love. Forgive us for speaking in ignorance. Teach us to listen and learn, so that we may truly love as You created us to love. Show us how to love those around us best, so that Your love may be evident through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we speak little and listen much, so that we may love as You love us. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. – Proverbs 1:5

Lead with Listening

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – (James 1:19, NIV)

My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. – (James 1:19, ERV)

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. – (James 1:19, MSG)

 

Listening is an art form that can prevent misunderstanding and bring people closer together. Too often we speak to respond, rather than listen to understand and reply only if necessary. Anger flares and brash words are spoken when we communicate to make our own point, opinion or agenda heard, without taking pause to listen to others around us. I find that the majority of the time, my anger ignites when I jump to conclusions or explain a scenario in my own mind, rather than seeking to listen to whomever did, whatever it was, that incited my frustration to the point of anger. Each time I slow down, take a deep breath, and remind myself to listen with the intent to understand, I discover that there is a reason for the words or actions that transpired. By hearing the heart behind the person, anger or frustration fade, and compassion and kindness begin to rise. May we ever seek the Lord for strength and willingness to listen first, so that our response is a reflection of His heart, rather than a rash reaction that is not necessary to bring resolution.

 

Let us each choose first,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

To listen in love;

Seek to understand,

With grace from above.

If we’re slow to speak,

There’s less to regret;

Peace has a true chance,

God’s love, our asset.

Allow not anger,

To rise and release;

Instead, choose listen,

Discernment brings peace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be people who seek listen to understand, speak with intention and grace, and to keep anger in check to prevent words or deeds that cannot be taken back. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our ego or agenda to cause us to assume ill intent in anger, rather than listening with intention to understand all that is involved in what has transpired before us. Teach us to listen first, seeking to understand, so that if and when we respond, it may be done with love and grace. Show us how to love well through listening to those who need to be heard. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as You are the God who always hears our heart, regardless of what our words or deeds seem to indicate. Be glorified O God, through our decision to listen first and speak with godly intent, only when we understand, keeping anger in check and love abundant. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. – Proverbs 1:5