We Speak Because We've Listened
M. Justin Wainscott, 2011
Much more is learned by listening
than by talking;
from open ears
rather than an open mouth.
In fact, it ought to be a rule -
and a rule which we should follow -
that speaking be preceded
by attentive listening.
Anything significant
that ever has been said
(or that ever will be said)
is the fruit of much listening.
And preaching is no different.
Good preaching is the product
of good listening - to God and His Word.
We preachers sit before
an open Bible - listening;
listening for God to speak
what He has already spoken.
Then, and only then,
do we stand before His people
and open our mouths.
We speak because
we first have listened.
And our listening
qualifies us to speak.
