Expounding And Expanding!

Though some people speak out of ignorance -- TALKING about things they really don't know much about -- generally the thing that gets people TALKING is introducing a subject with which they are very familiar. However, unless we are asking questions, talking merely reveals what we already know. It is in LISTENING that we are provided the opportunity for more insight and understanding. Which do we tend to do the most: TALKING or LISTENING?

Instead of always expounding what we already know, LISTENING provides the opportunity for expanding our understanding. Solomon noted that it is through LISTENING to reproof that one gains wisdom while ignoring instruction is actually to despise oneself. ( Proverbs 15:32) It is a refusal of the benefit that could be obtained. He also noted that through the LISTENING to advice and the acceptance of instruction one is able to gain future wisdom. ( Proverbs 19:20)

It has been said, "Most commit the same mistake with God that they do with their friends; they do all the talking." [Fulton J. Sheen] Though many courses may be taught in speech, LISTENING is a much needed skill to develop and use. But with all the voices around us, to whom are we LISTENING the most?

Note the following rebuke of Israel.
"(8) Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, IF YOU WOULD BUT LISTEN TO ME! (9) There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god. (10) I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (11) But MY PEOPLE DID NOT LISTEN TO MY VOICE; Israel would not submit to me. (12) So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. (13) OH, THAT MY PEOPLE WOULD LISTEN TO ME, THAT ISRAEL WOULD WALK IN MY WAYS!" ( Psalm 81:8-13 ESV)

Oh that they had LISTENED. By refusing they were left to their own stubborn ways. Oh, that the world would LISTEN. Oh, that we would always keep a LISTENING ear toward God. Having two ears and only one mouth has been said to be an indication we should do twice as much LISTENING as TALKING.

Expounding the truth of God and what He has done for us is something we ought to be doing. However, that sharing best comes through the spending of much time listening to Him. On more than one occasion Jesus exhorted, "HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR." ( Matthew 13:9 ESV) May we wisely use the two we have been given.

Have a great day INCREASING THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S WILL!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Listening