“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” —Proverbs 18:13

As a leader, husband, father, and friend you are in the communication business––working to explain, convince, encourage, define, and motivate. And remember, people you know might need to hear the same message in different ways multiple times before it is completely understood. And this is where listening more helps the communicator. For example, when you communicate a message, much of it is misunderstood. When you allow others to speak, including your wife, kids, friends, and colleagues, you discover the truth about human comprehension––a message can be completely communicated, but it’s not always completely comprehended. So what becomes essential is a willingness to talk less which lead to “folly and shame” and listen more.

DO THIS: Bite your tongue, shut your cake hole—and listen.

PRAYER: God, help me to listen more carefully today.