{"id":15636,"date":"2022-03-18T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-18T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.momstoolbox.com\/blog\/?p=15636"},"modified":"2022-03-19T03:53:36","modified_gmt":"2022-03-19T08:53:36","slug":"proverbs-in-31-days-2015-day-18-proverbs-18-listen-before-you-speak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.momstoolbox.com\/blog\/proverbs-in-31-days-2015-day-18-proverbs-18-listen-before-you-speak\/","title":{"rendered":"Proverbs in 31 Days: Day 18, Proverbs 18: Listen before you speak"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Proverbs
\nGood morning!<\/p>\n

I’m off to Brussels today for a meeting that I believe holds a lot of potential. (Why else would I be going, though… right?) I had to smile a bit when I read what I wrote about this before, as it 100% applies today, too. :)<\/p>\n

That being said:<\/p>\n

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 18<\/h1>\n

Using the SOAP devotional method<\/a>, here’s what I heard this time…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Scripture: Proverbs 18:13<\/h2>\n

If one gives an answer before he hears,<\/p>\n

it is his folly and shame.<\/p>\n

Observation:<\/h2>\n

Speaking before you listen is not good.<\/p>\n

Application:<\/h2>\n

Even when I really want to get my point across, it is critical that I listen first. Listening will help me to get an understanding of others’ perspectives and to get a better understanding of the subject. It will also allow the other person to be heard. Once that is done, then it is my turn to share my answer or input.<\/p>\n

I have several critical meetings today. In those meetings I need to be sure to focus on listening and gathering information before jumping into my thoughts. God’s timing with each of these Proverbs this month has really been amazing.<\/p>\n

One more application: I have made it a point to listen to Him every morning this month before diving into email or anything else. It has made a difference that I have been listening to Him before giving answers to anyone else.<\/p>\n

Prayer:<\/h2>\n

Lord, your wisdom and timing continue to amaze and delight me.<\/p>\n

Please be with me today (and always) as I conduct myself in the many meetings. Help me to hear what I need to hear. Help me to fall back on the wisdom you have placed in my path. Guide me in determining the right responses and plans of action.<\/p>\n

I love you, Lord. Thank you for always being so relevant and true. Seriously, you are AMAZING! Thanks for that.<\/p>\n

Amen.<\/p>\n

Here is what I have heard in the past when reading Proverbs this way and using SOAP:<\/h3>\n