Hunting season is approaching, and in my excitement and anticipation of the upcoming year, I took inventory of how many duck calls I have in my collection and found that I have 22. Duck calls are to duck hunters as shoes are to women…you can never have enough, and you always need one more!
If there is anything that duck hunters and turkey hunters have in common is that we both love to “talk” to ‘em. One famous call company’s slogan is “Speak the Language”. To be honest, I have found more success in just being quiet than running my call full blast trying to make something happen. I thought about this, and to be truthful, I know that there are times that I have probably failed in listening. I am a Preacher, and if there is one thing that we have in common is talking (I know you are saying amen right now). We know how to talk…we just have a hard time landing the plane.
It hit me that the Bible has a lot to say about being quiet (no pun intended). In Proverbs 14:29 it suggests that patience is a sign of great wisdom, and speaking in anger can have negative consequences. Proverbs 18:13 states that it is foolish to answer a matter before hearing all the facts. Proverbs 10:19 states that “when words are many, transgression is not lacking”. The Bible also warns against gossip, slander, and speaking in a way that could humiliate or shame someone. The Bible offers passages for being “still” or quiet before the Lord to listen for His guidance (Psalm 46:10, Exodus 14:14). The Bible also instructs there are times to be silent even in Church.
After taking inventory of my life, I can see why God made me with one mouth and two ears. He wants me to listen more and speak only when necessary. We spend the first years of our life learning to talk, and the rest of our life learning to listen. Learning to talk isn’t the hard part; it is the listening. May we learn to be still, listen more, and when we speak, let it be with love, purpose, and encouragement.
