Listen Before You Speak

One of the humbling things I’ve discovered is that most people don’t need us to fix them nearly as much as they need us to understand them. And if I’m honest, I’ve spent a lot of years trying to solve problems before I fully understood them.

Sometimes your wife doesn’t need advice. Sometimes your child doesn’t need a lecture. Sometimes your friend doesn’t need an answer. Sometimes people simply need to know they’re heard.

I’ve learned that listening is one of the purest forms of love. Because listening says: “You matter. Your thoughts matter. Your feelings matter.”

Jesus asked questions. He listened. He drew people out. Even though He already knew their hearts, He made people feel valued by giving them His attention.

Musonius Rufus taught that wisdom begins with learning before speaking. Humility listens. Pride interrupts.