Quick to listen and slow to speak

Proverb's 18 13 He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame

I truly believe that listening is a skill which will always leave room for improvement in my life. In the movie "White Man Can't Jump", Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes come together with unlikely and selfish intentions to achieve a common goal. However, one of the underlining messages in the movie stems from the communication struggles between two people. If you saw the movie you will remember throughout the movie Woody argues with Wesley about listening to Jimmy Hendrix. Sydnie Deane, played by Wesley Snipes struggles with Billy Hoyle played by Woody, "Look man, you can listen to Jimi but you can't hear him. There's a difference man. Just because you're listening to him doesn't mean you're hearing him". In the end, when both choose to try and listen to each other they develop a chemistry that allows the both of them to win a men's basketball tournament towards the end of the movie. Unfortunately, he listens to Wesley but not the love of his life that he looses in the end. However, I think he may have lost the girl but not the love of his life, which was basketball.

I guess I am asking the question: Are we really listening? The Proverb above really speaks to the core of conflict, assumptions, arguments, and prejudice. Listening can determine a job promotion, personal healing, whether you get a traffic ticket, asleep on the couch, or worse. How many times have we listened to someone and we are waiting for our turn to argue our point. Or, how about the thought, "I know what they are getting at." and the rest of what they are saying becomes Blah, Blah, blah. As a result we answer or come to conclusions before we truly work to listen and hear what the person is saying. I can easily become caught up at work, home, or with friends on this topic. So when I read this passage it spoke to my heart as a reminder that I am a work in progress. I like to consider myself a good listener. I don't believe to be quick to judge and close my ears to sound instruction, criticism, or plan ole' I'm pissed at you. However, when it comes to conflict I guess my listening gauge leans towards the yellow zone. As I observe the political criticism regarding Obama's troop deployment the proverb comes to mind. However, when he seeks counsel and debates with his security cabinet it is portrayed in the media as a sign of weakness or inexperience.