...swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath...
In Economics 101, you are taught that for you to have a perfect economy, one where free market forces operate and you have perfect competition, a key underlying assumption is the availability of perfect information. A perfect economy is where limited resources are allocated efficiently and optimally to meet the needs that exist in the economy. This will occur if all economic agents are rational and have perfect information enabling them to create demand for the best products which the market will now have to supply, resulting in optimal resource allocation.
Unfortunately we know that this is not true, economic agents are not always rational and they don't have perfect information (with some thanks to the marketing profession), as a result their decisions are not well informed and markets to allocate resources efficiently.
I thought about this in light of human relationships and the judgements we make about people or situations. I find that we are inclined to make decisions based on limited information and this can have adverse effects on us and those we relate with. We are quick to arrive at conclusions and make judgements based on this information, which most times we have not taken the time to confirm.
I was discussing with colleagues at work recently about how people will point to our sector and say we are not doing much. In fact some have questioned our competence and whether we are in tune with worldwide trends and thinking progressively. It is interesting that after discussing the issues with them and providing them with additional information, they discover that their conclusion was arrived at on the wrong premise. They gain an insight into the sector and are able to appreciate the progress that has been made.
This is just to point out that before you arrive at a conclusion, it is wise to consider whether you have gathered adequate information to merit that conclusion. This is especially important in the area of relationships with other people. You will generally get this information if you listen and ask the right questions, before you arrive at a conclusion.
This is the reason why we are exhorted to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19) and to hear a matter before answering (Proverbs 18:13). It is interesting that James links the listening to speech and wrath or anger. If we don't have the right information, we will say words that are inappropriate and perhaps become angry when we really shouldn't be. Proverbs 18:13 says if you answer a matter before hearing it fully, it is folly to you, in other words, it is wise. Before you come to a conclusion about a person or situation, make sure you gather adequate information...you may not have perfect information, but the more information you gather, the more you listen, the clearer picture you will have from which to base your conclusion or decision.
This is the reason why we are exhorted to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19) and to hear a matter before answering (Proverbs 18:13). It is interesting that James links the listening to speech and wrath or anger. If we don't have the right information, we will say words that are inappropriate and perhaps become angry when we really shouldn't be. Proverbs 18:13 says if you answer a matter before hearing it fully, it is folly to you, in other words, it is wise. Before you come to a conclusion about a person or situation, make sure you gather adequate information...you may not have perfect information, but the more information you gather, the more you listen, the clearer picture you will have from which to base your conclusion or decision.
Keep listening...
