I was reading in Proverbs the other day and this little tidbit stuck out at me. “The wise man listens, and increases wisdom.” I love this.
In our world, to be “the man” we’re expected to talk. We’re expected to have all of the right answers, and know everything in our field (and a host of others).
The Bible sees wisdom in a different way. Take a close look at that verse. First of all, the person who listens is already wise. Second, when he listens, his wisdom increases.
The next time you are out with a group of friends, at a meeting with fellow professionals, or are just talking to another person at church or work, listen.
It’s amazing what you learn when you aren’t trying to insert your own opinion. Listening has two great side effects. First, as the Bible says, you gain in wisdom. Second, people like to be listened to. You’ll make somebody’s day if you actually listen to them.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to listen, especially if you disagree with the person you are listening to. Discipline yourself. Hear everyone out, no matter what their opinion. That’s how you learn. That’s how you grow.
Wisdom doesn’t figure much into today’s world. Unfortunately, to get ahead it seems that listening to others isn’t as important as telling them how it’s done. The wise leader listens before speaking, and they learn from what the other person is saying.
As we teach young people to be leaders, we should make sure that we are teaching them to listen. There are plenty of people all around them more than willing to tell them how they should be doing things. They can start practicing their listening skills right now.
What are some important things you have learned while listening to others?
Training Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,
Matt
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