Learn to really listen

The wise listen to others.
Proverbs 12:15


We live in the era of 'the talking head,' with reality TV, 24-hour news programmes and talk radio. And while that's not all bad, we've learned to 'broadcast' when we should be 'tuning in.' Solomon says, "Don't talk so much… Be sensible and turn off the flow" (Proverbs 10:19 ).
In other words, when you've nothing to say - say nothing!
Why?
Because the more you talk at that point, the less people remember (or respect you).

It's been said that God designed your ears to stay open and your mouth to close because listening rarely gets you into trouble!

Solomon writes: "The man of few words… is wise… even a fool is thought… wise when he is silent" (Proverbs 17:27-28 ).
So when you can't improve on silence - be quiet!
Proverbs 1:22-23 mentions people who are foolish and simple.
The original term means, "thick… dull… sluggish."
It describes those who are insensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others. We've all been at the mercy of the doctor who treated us with cold detachment, the teacher who put us to sleep with his lecture, and the sales person that focused only on his commission.
William C. Tacey writes, "Poor listeners range from the impatient type, (That's nothing! Wait'll you hear what I've done), to the person who's so absorbed in his own thoughts that they're not even aware somebody's spoken.
Learning to listen actively and constructively is as important as learning to speak, if your communication's to be effective."
Remember, a gossip talks about others, a bore talks about himself, but a wise man talks to you, about you - then listens to what you have to say!
When you're a good listener not only will people seek you out, you'll grow wiser - and win friends too!

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