September 7th, 2003, Sunday Evening
"Quick to Listen"
The Bible says a wise man is quick to listen and slow to speak and be angered
OPENING: Proverbs 21:2
Proverbs 21:2: Just as everyone in this world is different, (the Bible says) we all do and believe what seems right in our own understanding (eyes)
- We are so quick in defending our position that we'll reply before we hear the end of arguments or questions
- Each of us knows we're not perfect but rarely will we freely admit our mistakes or humbly accept specific criticisms made against us
- Proverbs 18:2: The people of this world are very quick to anger and don't want to be told when they're wrong--even if
they know it. As such, the Bible calls people who don't wish to be corrected, "fool[s]"
1. BE QUICK TO LISTEN
- WISE MEN WILL HEAR AND INCREASE IN LEARNING AND A MAN OF UNDERSTANDING WILL SEEK WISE COUNSEL
- Proverbs 1:5 & 17:28: A wise man is one who listens much and speaks little
- A wise man listens because he knows he doesn't have all the answers
- Listening causes you to increase in learning and intelligence and that results in success
- Ecclesiastes 5:2 & Matthew 12:36: Jesus said It's best to keep your words few; every word you speak will be
accounted for on Judgment Day
- A wise man not only listens but takes caution before doing something
- The naive believe everything but the prudent man considers his actions
- Wisdom is not only to listen but making sure what you hear is truth
- Prudent men listens to counsel (criticisms) and accepts discipline
- All of us have experienced criticism but the key is learning to accept it
- THE CAUSE OF STRIFE IN OUR LIVES IS THROUGH NOT LISTENING TO OTHERS
- Strife is the only result of accepting/believing presumptions without verifying whether or not they're true; to simply believe
a purported statement on the basis of probable evidence or lack of proof to the contrary (like gossip)
- Without consultation, plans are frustrated: this is a common-sense statement: you don't plan vacations, travel or strategy without first consulting with various people
- It is a folly and shame upon a man to answer before he hears: how can you give an intelligent answer if you don't know the complete question?
- It's foolish to pass sentence upon a matter which you are not truly informed on and have no patience to find the answer
- Proverbs 28:26: He who trusts in his own heart is a fool
- Proverbs 3:5-6: Rather, trust in God to direct you at all times
- OUR ABILITY TO LISTEN SHOWS US WHERE OUR HEART REALLY BELONGS
- Proverbs 9:8: You are dishonored, insulted and hated by those who have the inability to accept your correction or criticism.
However, correct/teach/give instruction to someone who is open to being corrected (a wise man) and he will cherish your words and love you
- He who doesn't listen hates and despises himself
2. BE SLOW TO SPEAK
- King Solomon, the wisest king there ever was, said that a person who is able to exercise care in what he says is a wise and
understanding person
- A man of understanding keeps silent
- Someone who is trustworthy keeps a matter concealed
- The heart of the righteous thinks before answering
- Proverbs 12:18: Taking care in what we say also protects our life: the tongue is like a piercing sword--some words
said can result in (psychologically) unrecoverable wounds
- Proverbs 18:19: Per the Bible, "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city"
- Some words spoken can never be taken back
- Proverbs 29:20: There is more hope for a fool than a man who is quick and hasty with his words
- There are times that you may have to speak painful words to a friend--this is appropriate
- Proverbs 27:6: For a friend to properly criticize or correct you is for him to be faithful to you
- Job 17:5 & Proverbs 28:23: He who rebukes (corrects) a man will find more favor with him than one who continually
flatters that man with praise
- Be careful in how you plan your response to an argument or accusation against you
- Proverbs 15:1: Whether you're right or wrong, a gentle answer turns away wrath while strong words produce strife
- Proverbs 25:15: (Contrary to violent action movies and wrestling shows, for example,) gentle words/responses strike
all the way to the bone of the accuser
- James 1:26: A man who claims to be religious and yet cannot control his tongue deceives himself and his religion is
worthless
3. BE SLOW TO ANGER
- The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God
- It only takes one person--not two--to start trouble (i.e., gossip)
- Proverbs 29:22: A short tempered person loses control of their tongue which results in much sin
- Short-tempered men are motivated by selfish desires, greed, pride and arrogance and are driven by their lack of knowledge
- Benefits of being slow to anger
- Proverbs 16:32: It is a demonstration of self-control in our lives. As the Bible says, to be slow to anger is to be
"better than the mighty" and greater than a conqueror who "taketh a city"
- Proverbs 19:11: To forgot others' transgressions/faults against you is to your glory (just as God has forgotten your
many sins against Him--if you're saved)
- To turn from anger is to be not only wise but a positive influence on others around you
4. POSITIVE RESPONSES YOU CAN MAKE TO DEALING WITH THE ANGER IN YOUR LIFE
- Ephesians 4:26-27: Anger is not a sin unless it controls your life--don't give Satan this foothold against you
- Proverbs 26:17: Don't involve yourself in matters of strife that don't concern you; to do so, the Bible likens you to
"taketh a dog by the ears"
- Stay away from people--including friends and family--who easily give in to anger; do associate with such people is to learn their
ways and fall into the same traps and/or sin they do
CLOSER
This is a practical rather than deep theological message to show the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger;
to live such a life is to add credibility to your testimony that Jesus Christ is Saviour and Lord
Let love, knowledge and wisdom control your life--not anger and quick responses