How can we apply Elihu's example of listening before speaking in our lives? The Scene: Elihu’s Patient Silence Elihu sat through thirty-one chapters of argument before he spoke. He honored the older men by giving them the first word, and he honored God by waiting for clear direction. Key Verse “Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’” (Job 32:10) Why Listening Matters • Recognizes God’s sovereignty—He may speak through others first • Cultivates humility—admitting we don’t have all the answers • Builds understanding—hearing the whole story avoids rash judgments • Models Christlike love—valuing another’s voice above our own (Philippians 2:3-4) Scriptures That Echo Elihu’s Example • James 1:19 — “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” • Proverbs 18:13 — “He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.” • Proverbs 18:15 — “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.” • Ecclesiastes 5:2 — “Do not be hasty to speak… for God is in heaven and you are on earth.” Practical Ways to Listen Before Speaking 1. Pause before responding—train yourself to count to five silently. 2. Ask clarifying questions—“Can you help me understand?” instead of jumping to conclusions. 3. Seek Scripture first—open your Bible or recall verses that address the topic before offering advice. 4. Pray inwardly—ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) while the other person is still talking. 5. Summarize what you heard—reflect the speaker’s words back to confirm understanding. 6. Weigh motives—are you speaking to serve or to win? Let love guide your words (Ephesians 4:29). 7. Invite counsel—like Elihu, wait until others have finished before sharing your insight. Blessings That Flow From Listening • Wiser speech—words seasoned with grace and truth (Colossians 4:6) • Stronger relationships—people feel respected and heard • Reduced conflict—listening defuses anger (Proverbs 15:1) • Deeper discernment—the Spirit illuminates nuances we might have missed • Christlike witness—our measured words showcase the gospel’s transforming power Putting It Into Practice This Week • Choose one conversation each day where you will intentionally withhold your response until the other person finishes completely. • Afterward, review: Did listening change what you were about to say? Note the difference and thank God for the growth. |
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