Trust in the Lord and He will make your paths straight.
Happy New Year’s Eve! Do you have plans to celebrate? Maybe a gathering with friends and family in your building or village? Do they celebrate with fireworks where you stay?
I’ll continue this series on New Year’s resolutions from the Book of Proverbs for a few more days into the new year, and I hope it inspires you to start your year strong 💪🏽.
Today’s challenge: resolve to be a better listener.
True listening is an art—harder than it seems. I consider myself a pretty good listener, yet I often catch myself planning my response before the person I’m listening to has finished what they’re saying. That’s not really listening, is it?
The Bible calls this foolish:
- “To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.” - Proverbs 18:13
- “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” – Proverbs 18:2
- “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” – Proverbs 29:20
Listening is important; it is way more important than speaking! It requires patience, self-control and kindness. When done well, it fosters understanding, compassion and humility.
This does not only apply to conversations with people; it is even more important to take time to listen to God! Before (or after) listing out all your prayer requests to the Lord, take time to hear His voice.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
friend, would you be a better listener this year?
Check out this super inspiring video on the power of listening:
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