Yikes! Are we babblers?


 Proverbs 10:8--Hello, my name is Terri and I am a recovering babbler.

It's actually a bit painful to remember my foray into the world of babbling fools. But, if it helps anyone out there, I'm willing to come clean.

Who is a babbling fool: it's someone who utter sounds or words imperfectly, indistinctly, or without meaning. to talk idly, irrationally, excessively, or foolishly; chatter or prattle.

I was the one who talked irrationally and excessively.

Before I could begin addressing my problem, I had to address the why. It turns out it was a combination of pride and insecurity--which, I personally believe can be one in the same. I also struggle with ADD, which can make it difficult to stay on task.

The way the babbling would manifest was when people would try to show me how to do something or teach me. Rather than quietly paying attention to what I needed to learn, everything the person said and did reminded me of something I thought I knew all about--and of course, I had to prattle on about it.

The insecurity rose up when I felt I had to defend myself--then the babbling started. When the pride rose up, I felt I was more capable or knew better than others.

It took a lot of uncomfortable years before I figured it out, but I'm so glad that I'm on the watch for it. And, I can spot it in others. Which means others could spot it in me.

Listening is such an underrated talent. Being a good listener is not just about being quiet while someone else speaks. It's taking in what the person is saying and sometimes going deeper. We may have to read between the lines and ask questions.

It's also worth noting that simply accepting commands or teaching without fully listening and understanding is almost as bad as babbling. At least the person giving the teaching or command knows a babbler isn't getting it. 

 By being fully engaged and in the moment, we will go a long way in being wise. And, that's a good place to be.

May we accept commands and not babble, my friends.

Proverbs 10:8--The wise in heart accept commands, but a babbling fool comes to ruin. Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible#tlvproverbs

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