I know as a teacher, I have told my students that when they are talking and I'm talking, someone isn't listening. Listening is necessary in a classroom to gain understanding of the lesson and learn the lesson in general. But what about life lessons. I know for a fact that there are many people, young and old, who speak more than they listen - mainly because they do not want to hear what the other person is saying. Or, it could be they feel wise in their own deceit. Being wise in someone's own wisdom is called a fool in scripture! Why? Because our wisdom comes from God and God only!
A fool is defined as: “a person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.” (Dictionary.com).
To reject wise counsel and continue in their own wisdom and judgment, that leads to ridicule and conflict, is another definition of a “fool”!Proverbs 12:15 AMPC
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise.
When anyone rejects the Word of God, they stumble and fall in many things, especially their actions and speech. God's Word is powerful and full of the wisdom we all need. It heals, redeems, corrects wrong actions, and is our blue print to living righteous. Commit to God in ALL things so as not to trip yourself up when you speak of God, whereas, misrepresentation of a perfect, loving, and ALL knowing God can lead others astray, instead of lead them to Him! Your actions and speech do matter!
Proverbs 18:2-3 AMPC
2 A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.
3 When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.
You learn and receive more knowledge by listening than talking. It is proven than a person only receives about 225 words of knowledge from talking, and 500 words of knowledge from listening.
Although this verse speaks of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His teachings, Martha is preoccupied with preparing food for the guests. It says with serving, but being too busy can also keeps us from having a listening ear.
Luke 10:38-42 AMPC
38 Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house.
39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.
40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!
41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;
42 There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.
Jesus is ALL wise and knowledgeable, who wouldn't want to listen to His teachings? However, most of us speak with the purpose and intention to be heard, not with the purpose and intention to listen and gain an understanding!
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Albert Einstein
Speak mainly to respond, and listen to learn!
Proverbs 4:7 AMPC
7 The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).
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