Have you ever met that person who just talks and talks and talks and you wonder if they are talking to hear their own voice? If not, that person might be you. Just kidding, but seriously, there are people like this in the world.
James has told us more than once to listen:
James 1:19 New International Version (NIV)
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:22 New International Version (NIV)
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
So many of us, I included, react to what is said very quickly instead of taking our time to answer. The world around us moves very fast and in order to compete, one must be able to respond almost instantaneously. What we need to do is slow down, but that is perceived as being stupid or slow or ????.
Why should we take our time to answer? It proves we are listening, it gives us time to really gather our thoughts and form proper answers, it prevents us from having to retract what we said, and it will ultimately lead to us looking less incompetent. Now all of these are worldly points of view, but they are also applicable to what I believe God wants.
Are you the type of person that has something on their tongue that just cannot wait to get it out? I know I am. I get so anxious that as soon as their is a break I blurt out whatever is on my mind, but am I really listening to the other people? I think I am, but honestly I am not sure.
If you are like I am, then pray and ask God to show you how you can improve your listening skills. I know, I told you to go pray again. So what, get over it and go pray. It is one of your best weapons against the enemy.