Thought for Saturday, November 10th

November 10, 2012

Don’t Answer Before The Question is Asked

“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.”

-       Eugene Ionesco

   He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.

Proverbs 18:13

The person who likes to anticipate the question and have the answer given, before the question can be asked; often thinks himself to be clever, but more likely than not he/she is perceived as either arrogant or foolish.

And of course we have all either known or been that person who doesn’t really listen to what the other person is saying, because we can’t wait to expound on the topic with the great thought we already have in our mind.

Occasionally there are those who when listening to a problem, attempt to offer a solution before the problem is fully stated. This can and often does result in incomplete solutions that do not always address the full scope of the issue at hand.

Regardless of the reason or rationale behind speaking prematurely – the simple fact is the Bible says we should not do it.

In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion and almost everyone wants to be heard: it is often difficult to be patient and wait for our opportunity or the appropriate time for us to speak.  But if we want to be pleasing and obedient to the Lord and not be considered foolish; then it is a habit that might be worthy of dedicating some of our energies towards developing.

A word or series of words, aptly spoken, at the right time, in the right way can often prove to be excessively beneficial: while at the same time words spoken at the wrong time or in the wrong way can be detrimental.

One of the key skills in becoming a good communicator is not necessarily the development of the ability to speak: but rather the refinement of the ability to listen.

As children of God often we are guilty of speaking, acting, jumping the gun, so to speak, before we fully listen to what God is trying to say to us and waiting for the full and complete instruction for what He wants us to do.  Remember strength is renewed for those who wait upon the Lord; not necessarily for those who get ahead of him and try to run a few paces in front of Him.

Whether it is in our interactions with each other or our relationship with God, we need to learn to fully listen and not respond until we have heard everything that is being said.

Today’s Prayer

Father, so many times I want to have the solution before the problem is clearly identified: or I want to accomplish the task before the goals are clearly set: so help me to be patient, considerate and help me to develop my listening skills.

“There is a candle in every soul

Some brightly burning, some dark and cold

There is a Spirit, who brings a fire

Ignites a candle and makes His home.

Frustrated brother see how he’s tired to

light his own candle some other way.

See now your sister she’s been robbed and lied to

Still holds a candle without a flame.

So carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn.

Hold out your candle for all to see it,

Take your candle, go light your world.“

-  Lyrics from ‘Go Light Your World’ by Chris Rice