Listening Well

I've read a lot of books on conversational skills, listening and talking skills, counseling, but none of the advise I've read is as helpful as the advise I've read in the Bible. Proverbs 18:13 speaks of the importance of listening to all of the facts and pertinent details before putting in your two cents. Pro. 20:5 speaks of drawing out the heart of the matter, helping to get to the innermost thoughts of the person by asking good, thought-provoking, insightful questions. Listening well is vital to any counseling relationship, and also to friendships, marriages, and all family communication. It will take a lifetime of practice, but a good place to start is by asking God to help you apply His word and to listen to all the facts before you open your pie hole and to ask thoughtful questions.