Perceptions

If I asked you what your neighbour is like, what would you say? What about the guy down the hall at work? The person you see every day at the gym? Your pastor? The clerk you see at the store?

A few years ago Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book entitled, "Blink" in which he argued that most of us will make as effective of decisions in the immediate as we would if we were given a longer period of time to consider the options. His point? Over the course of time most of us become highly adept at reading situations, sizing things up, coming to accurate conclusions and processing data.

I think I have been learning that this is less true when it comes to people. One of the great gifts that God gives us is the input, advice and wisdom of other people. 

In fact, one wise writer says 

"He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame." 

(Proverbs 18:13). 

Another wise man once wrote, 

"If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise." 

(Proverbs 15: 31). 

Still another quote reads this way, 

"To one who listens, valid criticismis like a gold earring or other gold jewelry." 

(Proverbs 25: 12)

Clearly, wisdom is on the side of listening long before speaking. Today I (re)learned and was reminded of the need to listen long to people - not just for their words, but for their heart. My folly is to jump in too quickly, debate too soon, tweak ideas and words too eagerly. 

Call me slow to lear certain lessons if you want, but I am treasuring the value of listening to the heart of others before speaking. It makes things like figuring out truth, standing side by side and seeing the problem for what it really is a lot easier in the long run.