I heard a wag say one time that God gave us only one mouth, but two ears. That we need more equipping to listen than to speak. I know in my case, I’ve need to hear that admonition more than once; needing to grasp the dynamic of Prov. 18:13 more fully and regularly.

How very often I have been just this foolish, just this shameful. Help me to Listen, listen, LISTEN! Father forgive me.

How we need to listen to this in our evangelism.

First, we must really listen to where the people are – those to whom we are speaking. Know something of their fears, doubts, cares, woes, hopes, understanding of spiritual things etc. If we make assumptions about who and where they are, we may well just speak past them rather than to them in Christ’s name. In listening, asking questions and then carefully listening – they will reveal to us the best place to begin the conversation. Jesus didn’t even presume to know what the two blind men wanted when they called out to Him. He stopped and asked what it was they really wanted. (Matt. 20:32)

Even in the natural this is an important factor. When we meet those of opposing views – on virtually any subject – do we really know what they are concerned about? Or do we imagine we just already know the nuances of their opinions and what brought them to their conclusions. (see v-15)

How even in this home, hearing this proverb would be of keen importance in dealing with our spouses, children, parents and extended family. Sometimes we need to probe even beyond what someone says, to what they mean by it. They might not have been able to express their own thoughts well without some explanation. Same with you and me.

Second: Let us be sure those we speak to on behalf of Christ, understand as fully as we can make it – just what exactly is being discussed. Let us tell them:

a. The reality of their condition in light of creation and the Fall.

b. God’s just judgment upon mankind.

c. The nature grace and mercy being extended in this call to pardon: Reconciliation, regeneration, sanctification and glorification.

d. Jesus’ substitutionary atonement.

e. Justification by faith.

f. The implications of following Christ Jesus.

g. The coming Kingdom in contrast to this present world.

If they “believe” too quickly – without knowing the facts, it will end in shame.

As someone once said: “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears.”