Title
Strive To Listen
Scripture
Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
(Proverbs 3:30)
Devotional
You know them: If you say “up” they will say, “down”, if you say “white”, they will say “black”. There will always be those who struggle and contend for the sake of struggling and contending. Do not be such as these. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”(1) Learn to listen without thinking of a reply. Listen with an honest ear. Be slow to contradict and challenge another’s view or opinion. Weigh the words of others before unloading your words onto them. Listen with a heart of compassion and an ear of mercy. Make your reply using gentle words, words of compassion. Do not take sides when there is no opposition. Do not respond to another’s well-thought-out idea impulsively. Do not strive from the cuff. If we fail to do these things, good ideas, plans, and direction will cease to come your way. If we learn to be good listeners, we will receive good information. If we strive without cause, we will be left alone.
(1) Romans 12:18
Text For The Day
Proverbs 3:30: Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
Thought For The Day
“Those who listen with eyes, face, and heart, as well as mind, never lack people who will beat a path to their ears.” Mark R. Littleton, Leadership Magazine
Questions To Ponder
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God in essence is saying, “Don’t argue for the sake of arguing.” What brings on this tendency?
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Have you ever known habitually, disagreeable people?
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Think about your responses to conversations or ideas. Do you tend to be agreeable, disagreeable, indifferent, or thoughtful? What should you be?
Morning Study Guide
Definition: Webster defines “strive”: To exert much effort or energy. The Hebrew word translated in our text as “strive,” is also translated: contend, chide and debate, each usually with a negative connotation.
Reference: “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife,” Proverbs 26:21
Application: Simply strive to listen, honestly listen.