Why Listening Is Love (Proverbs 18:13)
Listen Here:
Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
Listen. That’s the message here.
“If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.”
It’s like trying to finish someone’s puzzle with the wrong pieces. You jump in with your own answers, but you didn’t slow down to see what’s actually missing. That’s what this proverb is saying – it’s foolish and shameful to answer before you’ve truly listened.
This is the special snare of the self-important. They’re so fond of themselves, they love to talk – not necessarily because they love the conversation, but because they love the sound of their own voice. And they love the subject matter: themselves.
And here’s the thing – we’ve all been around someone like that, right? The kind of person who hijacks the conversation and turns every story back to themselves. It’s not really a conversation at that point – it’s a monologue. And if you’re in the room, your only role is that of enabler. You’re just an audience member to their one-man show.
But let’s be honest: We’ve been that person too. Quick to give advice. Quick to respond. Slow to actually hear.
But what if we chose to be the kind of people who ask more than we answer? Who listen long enough to understand, not just to reply?
Because here’s the thing: Listening well is an act of love. Talking too fast is an act of pride.
It would do us well to listen. To hear people out. To ask more questions and give fewer answers. Why? Because the more we ask, the more we can hear, and the better answers we can give. Whether that’s sharing wisdom or just expressing your care for another – it would do us well to listen and ask questions. Also, let’s not forget this takes after Christ.
Jesus was the best listener the world has ever known. He never rushed a conversation. Never cut someone off. Whether it was a woman at a well or a Pharisee with questions – He listened. He saw people.
And think about this – He listens to us. Still. Right now, Jesus is interceding for you before the Father, hearing your heart even when you don’t have words.
So when we choose to listen well, we are choosing to love like Jesus.
When we slow down and make space to listen to others, we’re walking in step with the One who made space for us on the cross.
So take this into your day. Ask yourself:
Have I been slow to listen and quick to respond?
What would it look like to love someone like Jesus today – by listening well?
Let’s take this to the Lord in prayer.
