AreYou A Good Listener?

Someone has said: "Most people only listen while waiting for their turn to speak." That may sound harsh but it certainly has proven to be true a lot of times in my life. It seems that most of us want to be heard more than we want to others. Most if us want to be understood more than we want to understand. We love to talk and hate to listen.

Yet one of the greatest needs of leaders, parents, pastors and others is the need to listen-the need to hear and understand what others are saying. The book of Proverbs is filled with instructions about listening. This week we will focus on what it has to say... Here are a few verses.

If you stop learning, you will forget what you already know. ” (Proverbs 19:27 CEV)

My child, if you listen and obey my teachings, you will live a long time. ” (Proverbs 4:10 CEV)

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. ” (Proverbs 15:31–32)

Here is one thing to do to become a better listener: (we'll talk about more later this week).

Be quiet while someone else is speaking: This is easier said than done.

Get rid of all your distractions-turn off your cell phone, your the tv, ipod or whatever else can get in the way.

Focus all of your attention on the one who is speaking.

Try this: Wait one full second before you even think about responding.

You will be surprised at what you will hear and even at what you will say.

Are you a good listener? What are some things you've learned that help you? let me hear from you..