Listen Up

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 15:28-33 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):

It’s amazing how many times the authors of the biblical proverbs tell us to listen to advice more, and offer advice less. By now, reading through the book of Proverbs as we are, it’s beginning to feel repetitive. How many different ways can they say, “The wise listen more than they speak”?

In fact, it’s not just the Bible that hammers this message. Without even trying, I can think of some non-biblical proverbs about importance of listening:

“We have two ears and one mouth to remind us to listen twice as much as we speak.” –American Proverb

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” –Mark Twain

“The first duty of love is to listen.” –Paul Tillich

I’m going to shut up now, because listening is more important than what any of us thinks we have to say.

Thought for the day: Stop, right now, and take some time to listen. Listen to a friend, a lover, a family member. Listen to the sounds in your office, or outside your window. Just listen, and see what you learn.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.