1. The Art of Good Listening

2. Edgar W. Howe: “No man would listen to you talk if he didn’t know it was his turn next.”

3. Theme passage
Ephesians 4:29 ~ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

4. Listening, Hearing
1 Samuel 3:10 ~ Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
Matthew 11:15 ~ “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt 13:9,43; Mark 4:9,23; 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35).

5. Value of Listening
Shows respect for another (John 4:1-41; Matt 12:42; Psa 116:1-2; 1 Pet 3:12)
Builds relationships (John 4: Samaritan woman, & the people of Sychar)
Increases useful knowledge (Prov 18:13, 2)
Motivates service (1 Cor 1:11; 5:1; 4:18-21; 7:1-2; Gal 1:6-8; Nehemiah)

6. Next time:
Barriers to Listening