Learning How Ask Questions and Just Listen

In review of Proverbs 20:5 it says, ”People’s thoughts can be like a deep well, but someone with understanding can find the wisdom there” (NCV).

Today’s verse is Proverbs 20:5. It tells me that a person's thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out. Therefore, If I want to be wise, I need to learn how to ask wise questions, and then listen.

Proverbs 20:5 says, “People’s thoughts can be like a deep well, but someone with understanding can find the wisdom there” (NCV). In other words, everybody’s got something to teach me (just like they say in the Global leadership summit, you can learn from anyone). It’s like deep water in a well, and I’ve got to learn how to draw it out of them.

I do this by learning to ask smart questions. Also, I’ll never learn anything while I’m talking. So don’t try to draw attention to myself. If my mouth is moving, I’m not learning. I won’t learn when I’m talking. I learn when I’m listening. So I’ve got to learn to listen. I can learn from anybody, but I’ve got to be willing to ask questions and then listen. That’s the mark of a wise person.

I communicate genuine interest and willingness to learn when I ask a question and then listen to the answer with focus and interest.

Bottom Line:

Good advice lies deep within a heart, a person of understanding will draw it out.

What this means to me:

Good advice lies deep within a counselor's heart, I would be wise to learn how to draw it out.

In summary, learn to ask wise questions, and to listen. I can learn from anyone. Learn how to draw it out of them. Be willing to ask questions and to listen. Today, I’ll try to spend a good portion of my day focused on listening rather than talking. Later today or tomorrow I see what difference it made. I know one of my weaknesses is thinking I know it all and that what others tells me I’m already aware of. Perhaps it's time for me to practice a high value on humility. I like to think of myself as being humble, but in reality, I’m not. So listen and learn, perhaps look at things I know about in a different light, or just as a reminder.

Father I thank you for this past weekend. It was a refreshing time where I not only spent time with friends but also was able to focus on some work items. As I prepare for this coming week and the items that are on my list to either accomplish myself or lead others to accomplish, I ask for your continued wisdom and guidance. Allow me to treat those I interact with in a loving manner. Also Father send me reminders through the Holy Spirit and others to focus more on listening today. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen!