3 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Leviticus 22:17-23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 10:19
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Proverbs 10:19 (NLT): “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Someone has said that God gave us two ears and only one mouth so we would listen twice as much as we speak.
Yet, most of us apparently didn’t get the memo. We talk much more than we listen.
And that’s too bad. Because we typically aren’t learning anything when we talk. We really only learn new things when we are listening attentively to others.
The verse I have chosen for today further tells us that we may end up sinning if we speak too much. Maybe we will betray a confidence. Perhaps we will spread slanderous gossip on someone else. We might even exaggerate a story to impress others. The possibilities of sinning with our speech are endless.
Yet, there is a simple cure. Listen more. When you are in conversation with someone, ask open-ended questions and then actively listen. Then ask another follow-up question and listen. When people realize that you are a good listener, you will never lack friends.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 