A Wise Listener

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel."

God sends people your way who offer great advice. Therefore, listen intently because you never know who may be speaking on behalf of God. These may be people you trust or distrust. Either way, do not allow pride to stand in your way of listening to what they say. Wisdom can come from the most unlikely sources; therefore, listen with discernment.

So who in your life is currently offering you advice and counsel? Is it your wife? Is it your father or father-in-law? Is it your mother or mother-in-law? Is it your boss? Is it your employee? Is it your friend? Are you truly listening, or are you just going through the motions and not really adjusting or modifying your behavior?

There is a very good chance that the methods you have employed up to now will not propel you into the future. This time of uncertainty may be a good time to evaluate the basics of life and work. What is the purpose? What do you do best? What is your capacity? Do you value quality over quantity? Do relationships have priority over tasks? What is your motive? This honest self-evaluation, coupled with the counsel of others, will help take you to the next level of living.

Moreover, listen to God. He offers clear guidance in the Holy Bible, and many, many times He is speaking directly to you through the advice of people. Do not be afraid to ask someone, “What do you think?” Pray about it and then value them and the Lord by acting on the counsel that you believe is a word from God.

If you do not take the time for wise listening, your life will translate into foolish living. A wise listener listens with a propensity for change. Without change for the better, we become worse. Listen, for He is speaking. This is wise and healthy living. Wise counsel continues for the wise listener, but it ceases for the one who chooses not to listen. We learn when we listen. God is “all about” advice and “all over” a wise listener!