Wisdom for the Ages: Understand First. Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 04.04.2018” on Spreaker.
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind” (Proverbs 18:2, NET).
Unreasonable
Have you ever met anyone who seems to plow ever forward to speak and not to listen; I mean, the kind of person who wishes to demonstrate what they think is sage experience or advice, but has no interest in alternative ideas? These blabbermouths have ignored the fact that God’s order in nature blessed us with two ears and only one mouth.
They are unreasonable in board meetings on your job or in the church setting. People like that overwhelm the group in PTA meetings. They make negotiations and diplomacy seem impossible in official meetings of lawmakers in government. He or she uses social media to passively and aggressively blurt out their unmeasured thoughts with two thumbs and switch off commenting so the world is forced to read their fomentations, uncontested. On this subject, the wise man further states, “The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth of the fool spouts out folly” (Proverbs 15:2, NET).
What is the message for us today? I am so glad you asked. If you wish to build relationships in whatever sphere God places you, seek to understand before you seek to be understood. Listen more than you speak. Value persons more than your own desire to push forward your views.
Think about the number of marriages that would be saved, countries that would avoid war, lawsuits that would be averted, careers that would be saved, churches that would not be split, and arguments that would not happen if we would all simply seek understanding, as God gives us strength. How many of our friends, family, spouses, and coworkers would feel valued if we take a people first approach to life, instead of blurting out our thoughts without regard for the impact they will have on others.
Wisdom to Influence
I pray that God will help me to seek His knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all areas of my life. Will you do the same? Will you ask God to maximize your thoughts, words, and actions for His glory, so that whatever you share with others will honor Him and edify them? Today is a great day to begin.
A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient
