by Tim Johnson

God helps us to grow spiritually by teaching us to listen before we speak.  We can save ourselves a great deal of trouble by choosing not to open our mouths sometimes.  Scripture says…

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, – James 1:19

You ever wonder why we have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth?  This scripture strongly implies the idea of being a good listener.  The art of listening is like a lost art form.  But, if we want to learn how to listen we need to learn how to listen before we speak.  Scripture also says…

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. – Proverbs 18:2

God’s word is very clear in this passage.  If we do not learn to tame our tongues by listening before we speak we are considered foolish because we fail to realize the power we have been give to either speak life or death.

Tim Johnson is a former football player and the founder of Orlando World Outreach Center.  He lives with his wife, Le’Chelle, and thier family in Windermere, Florida.