Help By Not Helping

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 15:1-2

Sometimes people want to talk out their thoughts to help them solve problems or cope with difficulties in their life. 

I am one of those people that when I hear someone say something I disagree with, I want to jump in and give them my opinion as to why they are wrong and what they could do differently.  This results in lots of arguments with people.

A few weeks ago, I realized that many times my only job is to listen as people talk out things they are dealing with.  A good indicator of this is whether or not I am asked for my opinion.

So, when people share with us, we need to consider what it is that they are looking for:  confirmation or advice or just someone to listen to their thoughts.

We are here to help one another and sometime we help by not helping and by being a friend.