STOP AND THINK – There was a definite process by which one made people into friends; it involved talking to them and listening to them for hours at a time. (Rebecca West, 20th century English author)
In our busy 21st century life, who has time to talk with someone for “hours at a time”? The writer implies that one-on-one conversations—including both talking and listening (the hard part, no doubt)—is necessary to develop real friendships. Not e-mailing, blogging, or texting, but conversations. Can we restore that lot art? It would be greatly to our advantage!
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance (Proverbs 1:5). To answer before listening— that is folly and shame (Proverbs 18:13).