Active Listening:

A Biblical Wrap Up

(Part 4)

 

1 — Responding before fully listening, causes real shame …

Proverbs 18:13 (KJV)

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,
it is folly and shame unto him.

Applying Proverbs 18:13 in conversations—by listening carefully before responding—can bring 7 important benefits:

1. Improved Communication: Taking time to listen allows you to truly understand the other person’s perspective, leading to clearer and more effective exchanges15.

2. Prevention of Conflict: By avoiding hasty responses and misunderstandings, you reduce the likelihood of arguments and hurt feelings15.

3. Informed Decision-Making: Listening before speaking ensures you have all the necessary information, helping you make wiser and more thoughtful decisions1.

4. Stronger Relationships: Showing respect and attentiveness fosters trust and deeper connections with others15.

5. Avoiding Embarrassment: Fully hearing someone out before responding helps prevent the shame or folly that comes from speaking out of ignorance or misunderstanding23.

6. Enhanced Creativity: Openness to others’ ideas can stimulate your own creativity and problem-solving abilities1.

7. Positive Reputation: Consistently listening before speaking builds a reputation for wisdom, restraint, and respect among peers13.

Overall, practicing active listening as encouraged by Proverbs 18:13 leads to more meaningful, harmonious, and productive conversations.

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2 — Speaking Hastily: Without Forethought causes Harm

Proverbs 29:20 (KJV)

Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words?
There is more hope of a fool than of him.

The Proverbial Fool is the ultimate Nemesis of Wisdom–in the Book of Proverbs. To be called a Fool is about as low as you can go. That is until you meet someone who is even Lower. Who is that you ask? Two kinds of people are lower than a fool in Wisdom’s Estimation:

1. One who is hasty in their words,  and / or
2. One who is wise in their own eyes.

Then, it can be said, there is more hope for a Fool than for such men, or women, or children.

 

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3 — Speaking in Pride: Feeling Superior, Being conceited causes Harm

Proverbs 26:12 (KJV)

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?

[A man who is full of himself, wise in his own eyes … 
Who thinks he’s better than others: morally, spiritually, intellectually?]

There is more hope of a fool than of him.

 

Because these behaviors are so damaging to relationships, it is quite powerful to be able to overcome them, and see the fruits of Active Listening begin to blossom in your Life and Wisely endow your closest Relationships.

As a result: Active Listening could quickly become your Secret Weapon.

 

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4 — Those who listen well store up great and priceless treasures for themselves.

 

Revelation 2:7 (KJV)

He that hath an ear,

• let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

To him that overcometh:

• Will I give to eat of the tree of life,
• which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

This is only one of 7 Blessings/Promises to the 7 Churches, to Those who will have an ear to hear, what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches. Read about all the Blessing and Promises in Revelation chapter 2 and 3.

Revelation 2:7 highlights listening as a pathway to spiritual blessings by issuing a call: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” This verse underscores that true spiritual insight and blessing come to those who actively listen to and heed the Spirit’s message—not just with physical ears, but with spiritual attentiveness and understanding.

The verse’s promise of partaking in the tree of life—symbolizing Christ Himself and the fullness of divine life and grace—is extended to those who “overcome,” which is closely linked to those who listen, respond, and remain faithful to God’s word. 

Thus, Revelation 2:7 teaches that listening is not a passive, but an active, transformative process that opens the way to receiving God’s deepest blessings and eternal promises. This aligns well with your interest in biblical communication and active listening, as both Proverbs and Revelation emphasize the spiritual value of attentive hearing.

 

Note: How we listern to others, especially our spouse, and closest relationships, is a mirror reflection of how we listen to God. How we invite and study His perspective, and do His Will, will inevitably lead from how well we listen to His Holy Spirit.

 

5 — Speaking of Self Centered People, they only really care about themselves, and airing their own opinions, stories, constantly want all the attention to be upon themselves.

 

Proverbs 18:2 (KJV)

A fool hath no delight in understanding,
but that his heart may discover itself.

 

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6 — Anger and Speaking are Powerfully Connected (Positively and Negatively)

 

James 1:19-20 (KJV)

Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

• let every man be swift to hear,
• slow to speak,
• slow to wrath:

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

James 1:19 directly addresses the issue at the heart of not participating in active listening. The verse instructs believers to be “swift to hear”—meaning eager and ready to listen—while being “slow to speak” and “slow to wrath.” Failing to engage in active listening is essentially the opposite of this biblical wisdom:

• Neglecting to Listen:
  When someone is not actively listening, they are not “swift to hear.” Instead, they may be waiting for their turn to speak or focusing on their own thoughts, which prevents them from truly understanding the other person.

• Quick to Speak:
  Not practicing active listening often results in being “quick to speak,” jumping in with opinions or responses before fully grasping the other person’s perspective. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

• Escalation of Anger:
  James connects poor listening and hasty speech with being “quick to wrath.” When people do not feel heard, frustration and anger can escalate on both sides, damaging relationships and hindering communication.

• Active Listening as Obedience:
  James 1:19 calls for a disciplined approach to communication—listening attentively, thinking before speaking, and controlling emotional reactions. This mirrors the principles of active listening, where the listener is fully present, seeks to understand, and responds thoughtfully.

Practical Implications

• Active listening requires humility and self-control, both of which James 1:19 encourages.

• Not participating in active listening contradicts the biblical command to be quick to hear and slow to speak, resulting in poorer understanding and more relational strife.

 

 

9 minutes

                                                       

 

What does Luke 8:21 reveal about the connection between hearing God’s word and doing it

How not to be like one of Job’s friends:

1.5 minutes

 

The Final Wrap Up

 

1 minute