Some people talk too much. Listening is a precious gift to both the listener and those to whom they listen. Listening is how we learn. Talking is how we teach, but we need to be careful because we are usually not as wise as we think. We really don't know that much and even what we know we don't know as well as we think. And when we talk too much about things we don't really understand, we just reveal our ignorance, waste time, and we might even lead people astray. Listen to my paraphrase of Proverbs 10:8.
A wise person listens to instructions, but someone who babbles on and on without having a clue will be thought of as an idiot.
And also verse 14:
A wise person soaks up all the knowledge they can, but a babbling fools is too busy talking to learn anything and might walk right off a cliff.
You can always get more information if you listen. You can always gain more insight if you listen. You can always see things from a different perspective if you listen. You can always learn more if you listen. You can usually find out what you need to know to make a wise decision, say the right thing, or do the right thing if you listen. But if you are too busy talking to listen, you are walking a dangerous road.
Prayer
"Father, help me to listen more. Help me to learn from You and from those You send my way to teach me. And keep me from babbling on about things I don't really understand. Amen."
