Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak… (James 1:19)
Have you ever tried to give someone some friendly advice or Godly counsel, yet as you talk with him, his ears are closed and his motor-mouth is running? Since he struggles with a challenging problem, he approaches you for your thoughts. Yet, you soon realize he may be hearing you, but he’s not listening.
Invariably, he argues with every point you make. With every Scripture you quote, he nods in agreement while still spewing semi-incoherent words from the yawning Grand Canyon resembling his mouth. With nonstop gibberish, he justifies and excuses everything you try to objectively share with him.
As an example, a young Christian lady (who we will call Gertrude), recently asked me, Why do all Godly men only think about, talk about, and want sex? When I am out socially, the only thing Christian guys seem interested in is sleeping with me. Since I am a Christian man, I took her accusation as a personal insult. But I decided to try and help her anyway.
After a few questions, I tried explaining that true Godly men don’t act like she described. I tried sharing the Scriptural stand on sex within marriage. I then explored the scenarios where this interaction took place. Through it all, her mouth kept running. I would pause momentarily to allow her to finish her thoughts, but that train never stopped.
Gertrude, the Mouth-Listener
Gertrude: I just don’t understand why all they want is to have sex with me.
Me: How do you know that is what they want?
Gertrude: Because they say that within the first few minutes of meeting me!
Me: What?! Where are you meeting these “Christian” guys?
Gertrude: At the new social hotspot, the “Dew-Drop-In Night Club.”
Me: I’m beginning to see the problem. What were you doing there? Maybe the people there aren’t what you are looking for….
Gertrude (interrupting): Stop judging me! I have every right to go wherever I want! It’s a fine place – here, you want to see some pics from my phone?
Me: Wow! Looks like a crazy place with a whole lot going on. What is that you’re wearing – or almost wearing?
Gertrude: See what I mean? You’re judging me again! That’s the latest outfit I just bought. I should be able to wear what I want to look my best when I go out. I think it accentuates my best qualities.
Me: Umm, I’ve learned that we attract what we market. You may be sending the wrong signals with that outfit and by being in that place. If you are looking for true Christian guys who will treat you respectfully, I might suggest……
Gertrude (interrupting): Just like everyone else, now you’re trying to control my life. What is it with guys like you? When I ask your opinion, you always judge me and try to tell me how to live my life!
Not once did her ears or heart engage. She was listening with her mouth. It took much restraint to stop from shouting, Shut up, and listen! Instead, I just shook my head and ended the conversation. I’ve come to realize that some people want acceptance, not counsel.
Tips to Listen with Your Ears, Not Your Mouth
When people share their wisdom or counsel, we owe it to ourselves to hear them out. Granted, we may or may not agree with everything they have to say. However, they deserve our attentiveness to their thoughts and experience. We just might learn something new.
Here are some tips to avoid being “Gertrude-the-Mouth-Listener:”
- Force your mouth closed. Don’t open it until or unless you are asked a clarifying question or the person has finished.
- Focus on listening. Truly hear and consider what is said. If you’re not willing to listen or improve your situation, then you’re not seeking advice; you’re simply voicing your displeasure.
- Open your mind and heart. If you are talking, you are not learning anything new. By listening and allowing the message to impact your heart and mind, you make what is shared meaningful to you.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to use the shared insight to minister to the core issue(s) in your life. What you are focused on could merely be a symptom. Someone else may see what’s in your blind spot.
- If something useful is shared, apply it. If not, respectfully thank the speaker.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be slow to speak, but quick to listen with my ears, minds, and hearts – never my mouth.
