Open Ears, Shut Mouth

We have all heard the old saying, “God gave you two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you talk.” That has a great deal of truth in it. But not for the reasons you think. Many think that we should not talk as much as we do. The truth is that we should listen more because we can learn more by doing so.

Sir Robert Baden-Powell is not a name known to many in America these days. He was a great British hero from the Boer War in 1899. However, what he did to change the world was to create the Boy Scouts in 1907. The Scouts later started in the United States in 1910, celebrating its 110^th anniversary in 2020. I am a great fan of the Scouts and believe the principles that they teach young people offer an answer to the problems we face in society today.

“If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talking.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

Baden-Powell believed that by training boys to be good citizens and ready for life (the Scout motto is Be Prepared), they would make the world a better place. Sir Baden-Powell said, “A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.” Success-minded people believe that as well, but they know that it applies to all people – no matter who or what age. We can be better people and therefore build a better society by following the Scout guidelines. 

One of the greatest teachings of the Scouts is that there is much to learn and explore. It fosters a spirit of curiosity that leads to new adventures and growth in life. By simply listening and observing, you can learn so much. When you are doing the talking, you can only learn what you already know. Success-minded people know that by listening, they can learn from others what they do not know and therefore grow and become better people.

Build a spirit of curiosity in yourself. Look at each person you meet and every experience you have as a learning opportunity. Treat life as what Helen Keller called “a daring adventure.” Success-minded people believe that there are so many wonderful things in the world that they do not want to miss any of them because they want to be heard.

“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” – Proverbs 1:5

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.    

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.