Answering Before Listening is Stupid

Maumee Bay State Park (Ohio)

Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.

Proverbs 18:13

The Message

Listen, for the purpose of understanding.

Understand first. Answer afterwards.

For example, two years ago I began having a sharp pain in my leg. The pain was accompanied by swelling. I went to my doctor. He asked about the soreness. He felt the swelling. He wasn't sure what the cause was.

"We're going to run some tests."

Blood work was done. I had a Doppler ultrasound.

The ultrasound showed a blood clot in my leg.

Only then was my doctor in a position to prescribe treatment. I was put on a blood thinner for six months. Plus, he gave me further instructions (wearing support stockings; avoid sitting too long).

First, he "listened" to the test results. Only then did he give an answer.

Of course. A doctor who prescribes without diagnosis is an idiot.

It is the same in our relationships. To answer without first understanding is stupid.

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My two books are - Praying: Reflections on 40 Years of Solitary Conversations with God. 

Leading the Presence-Driven Church

I am now writing...

How God Changes the Human Heart

Technology and Spiritual Formation