969) Have you ever noticed that some people just want to talk, talk, and talk? There are some that talk so much (and often about themselves) that you rarely get a chance to insert what you think. People like this are frustrating and if the “talker” is of any importance, people may listen, but is this listening helpful? This talking and listening happens a lot, but if you are the listener, it is important that you use some thoughtful consideration of what is being said.

In Acts 17:16-34, the people of Athens spend most of their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas (verse 21). What it doesn’t say here is that they used thoughtful consideration of what others are saying.

We learn from and contribute to others, but we need to use thoughtful consideration when listening. James 1:5 promises us that God will help us with this consideration by giving us wisdom.

Don’t you think thoughtful consideration would add much that is good to our lives?