Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: you must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
The last time you had lunch with a friend, do you remember who finished their food first?
Have you ever heard it said that “God gave us two ears and one mouth to listen more than we talk?” That’s supposedly a quote that came from an ancient Greek philosopher, but the Bible book of James says, “Understand this, … dear brothers and sisters: you must be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19).
When it comes to listening, God wants us to follow His own example—God listens to us when we talk to Him! Scripture records, “When you pray, I will listen to you,” and “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help” (Jeremiah 29:12, Psalms 34:15).
But, back to the last time you had lunch with a friend. Have you ever had the embarrassing experience of noticing that your friend has completely finished eating their lunch, while your first bite is still on your fork—because you’ve been monopolizing the entire conversation? “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion,” the Bible book of Proverbs painfully puts it (Proverbs 18:2).
Listening well shows that we’re interested in a person. Jesus followers are called to not only look out for our interests but to “take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:4).
One dad came up with a thoughtful way to teach his kids to be mindful listeners. Before the family had a guest over for dinner, he had them think of three questions that they could each ask their guest during their meal.
You and I can do that. We can use our two ears and one mouth proportionately. Remember, the best lunch meetings happen when you finish your food first.
