Not so long ago, I was conversing with a teacher in a high school, and he said a one-liner I will not forget,

Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters.

At first impression you might just say, “Hmm. That’s a neat little piece of info.”  But if you think about this a little longer, and as I realized soon after, the impact of the statement the teacher was leaving with me is that in order for one to listen, one must be silent. The actions are related.

In fact, if you choose either to listen or be silent, you will inevitably do the other.  Conversely, if you are talking, you are not listening.

As we journey through the Scriptures, there is much to be said about listening and staying silent. Consider that if you are to learn about something, gain understanding, knowledge, and wisdom – you will need to listen to your mentor, not blab over them as if you know the information they are about to say to you.  That is what is called being foolish.  If you choose smartly – to listen – the knowledge you have graciously received you now can meditate upon, use it, and SPEAK using WISE WORDS.

See how that whole line of reasoning works.

As Christians (and if you are new to Christianity or researching it), must know that we have the privilege of hearing God’s voice, as stated in John 10:27,

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:…

                                                John 10:27

How else could we possibly be here reading this together? Your conscience is not a make-belief chemical reaction in your brain, but God speaking to your soul through the Holy Spirit. When do you typically hear your conscious? In those silent moments when you are alone.

The importance of being a good listener is crucial so you can properly discern a situation, discern good and evil, discern what people are telling you, and for hearing the Word of God.

If you do this, you will undoubtedly be well on your way to speaking wise words and speaking life to the people and environment around you.