STOP AND THINK – Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. (Stephen Covey, educator, author, business man, public speaker)
Covey’s observation should create a sense of guilt in most conversationalists. We often are guilty of planning our next words while someone is talking to us, so we’re not really hearing what they’re saying. Our responses would be much more helpful if we were to clearly understand what we are hearing. Listening is an art we must all practice and learn well.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak. (James 1:19)