Listening takes time and is a learned skill. Here are seven things to avoid:
Don’t feel you must do the talking. “[There is] a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7)
Don’t give premature advice. “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” (Proverbs 18:13)
Don’t become defensive. “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Don’t become hot-tempered. “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” (Proverbs 15:18)
Don’t laugh at others. “A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 11:12)
Don’t hold on to hatred. “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12)
Don’t break a confidence. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13)
This series is largely based on my reading of Hunt, J. (2008). Biblical Counseling Keys on Communication: The Heart of the Matter. Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart