Verum BibleWisdom•5 minutes
Listen Before Speaking
A thoughtful answer starts with understanding what was actually said.
Proverbs 18:13Proverbs warns against answering before listening. Rushing to respond can reveal more about our assumptions than about the other person’s meaning.
Listening well gives a conversation room to become accurate. We can ask for clarification and still disagree after we understand.
The next time you feel ready with an answer, pause and reflect back what you heard. Let the other person tell you whether you understood.
Reflect
What question could help you understand before you answer?
A prayer for today
“God, slow my speech and give me the patience to hear clearly.”