Pondering the Principles of Proverbs
"You're short on ears and long on mouth." (John Wayne)
"You know why I like to talk to you, Delia? You never interrupt with your experiences." (Anne Tyler, Ladder of Years)
- Finishing another's sentence by supplying what you think they are going to say
- Interrupting with your own story
- Commenting before the speaker is finished
They are constantly being corrected, told, "No, that's not what I was saying;" but the correction seems to have no lasting impact.
I am a former master of the skills listed above.
I am surprised I had any friends during those years, for I must have been a colossal boor.
One day this verse stood out for me like a lone light in a dark cave, and I've been in training ever since.
- Still learning how to be quiet.
- Still learning how to refrain from giving my opinion.
- Still learning how to answer only the question that is asked, and not infer that more is implied.
- Still learning how to listen all the way to the end of another's discourse before speaking (James 1:19).
- Still learning how to ask questions instead of making pronouncements.
- Still learning how to let the other shine.
All comments, questions, and/or criticisms are welcome. They will be posted immediately without the necessity of approval.
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