Quick to Listen

I really struggle with this sometimes. I try to listen attentively when someone is speaking to me, but I often find myself cutting people off mid-sentence because something pops into my head and I don't want to forget my thoughts. But then I remember that if I forget what I was going to say before someone finishes speaking, God must not have thought it was very important anyway, so I shouldn't worry about it. If what I was going to say is truly important, I won't forget, and I can talk about it once the other person has finished. When I interrupt people, I'm not practicing active listening. I can also irritate the other person, and they will know that what they are saying isn't very important to me. I don’t want to be like that. I want to be respectful and listen to what is being said.

Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
The definition of transgression is an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct—an offense. The definition of prudent is acting with care and thought for the future.

Proverbs 10:17 says, “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path of life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.”
God wants us to listen to attain knowledge and get the Truth. We will be on the "path of life" if we know the truth and have instruction in that truth. But if we are wrong, we can lead others astray.

Proverbs 14:29 says, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding: but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
The definition of folly is foolishness or a lack of good sense or judgment.

Proverbs 18:13 says, “If anyone gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame.”
I know there are many times when I say something foolish, but if I am quick to listen and slow to speak, I may rethink the foolish thing I am about to say. I am trying to get better at not cutting people off mid-sentence because that is how I can truly gain knowledge from what they are telling me.

I found this list online, but I want to close with these points on how to practice James 1:19:

• Forgive people who wrong you.
• Call and encourage a difficult family member or friend.
• Compliment your kids.
• Listen during a disagreement without preparing a response.
• Thank your spouse for something small.
• Offer kind words when you are criticized.
• Refrain from gossip at the office.
• Give grace by tipping well even if things don't go perfectly.
• Refrain from negative social media posts.
• Listen to others without looking at your phone; be respectful.
• Listen with intentionality.
• Refuse to interrupt others (even if you disagree).
• Seek to understand the heart of the speaker through their verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Try to communicate our heart in a Christ-like manner when we respond.

We should pray with this James 1:19 verse in mind. Ask for God's help in getting better at these qualities: focus on listening more, choose your words carefully, and manage your anger in a healthy way. You may never know whose feelings you could hurt deep down because of your words.
Do you actively listen before you speak? Are you slow to get angry? It is what God tells us to do.