Courtesy in Listening

(Pro 18:13 KJV)  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

This is an easy trap to fall into because sometimes it is necessary to “answer” (1697) before you listen.  With discernment you will know the basics that most people ask about and give your answer in a short speech or a list of directions.  You may even be right but keep in mind that this is a two way street that can be wrong both ways.  It could also be that the person talking to you was not listening.  It could be that you already answered their question.

At other times, and here is where discernment comes in, you need to be careful not to spend your time answering questions that are not being asked.  Don’t assume that the second part of their sentence will be what you think it will be.

So?  I guess much of this is what we would call common courtesy.