The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 31-32
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 18:2 (ESV); A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his
opinion.
Proverbs 10:10b (ESV); …a babbling fool will come to ruin.
It is hard to bridle our opinions, especially when the matter at hand is something that we
are passionate about. Interrupting, which used to be considered poor etiquette, is now a
conversational norm. When we’ve puffed ourselves full of self-importance, there is nothing to
keep us from speaking the moment anything comes to mind.
Some of us are better at keeping quiet while others are talking; nodding along, smiling and
throwing in the occasional “mhm”, but we are none the less guilty. The face and body can appear
interested while the mind wanders. We can seem to be listening when in fact all we are doing is
waiting for the first chance we get to start talking about ourselves and sharing our own stories.
The Bible tells us this is foolishness. This selfish babbling and distracted listening depicts a fool
on the road to ruin.
It’s so easy to say, “I’m no fool!” because we dislike the word. But the word is defined by
actions, so if we are guilty of the actions, we’re guilty of the label. But we can move away from
foolishness towards wisdom.
We are instructed to treat others as we wish to be treated, to show others that we are interested
in them, and to be sincere. As Christians, we need to strive to serve people and show them that
they are valuable. When we are disengaged in conversation, we fail in our calling to point people
towards who they are in Christ.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Lord to show you flaws in the way that you communicate. Do you talk about
yourself too much? Are you a babbler?
2. Ask the Lord to show you flaws in the way that you listen. Do you listen attentively? Do you
see overly chatty people as obnoxious or burdensome?
3. Confess selfish attitudes that the Lord showed you, and ask Him to open your eyes today
and to help you see people through His eyes; as people full of value!
