Devotion

Reverent Wisdom
 
Proverbs 17:27a (NLT) A truly wise person uses few words; ...
 
Listening requires a bit more than ears to hear and a mind that can interpret the words that are being spoken. Listening involves using discernment – both intellectual and spiritual – in order to perceive the fullness of what is being said to you or asked of you. Keen listening imparts a clearer awareness of what you are responding to. It helps you eliminate the excessiveness of words and lets you get to the main point. When you are a good listener, you realize that everything you hear does not need or deserve a response from you – especially if it is a question that seeks an opinion. For example, if someone wants you to tell him/her what God’s opinion is in their circumstance – you’d better know that you can’t answer for God. You can’t get in God’s head, and God doesn’t need you to fill in any blanks for Him! The most you can do is reference the person to what God says in His Word.   Be a keen listener. Use few words. Don’t answer for God. Have reverent wisdom.