Listening

I came across this short Ancient Near Eastern saying while doing some research on speech ethics in James. The idea is that listening is not just being silent when someone is talking but rather thinking about what is being said. I immediately thought of academic discussions where I read/listen in a way so that I can dispute the conclusion instead of internalizing what is being said so I can make an adequate response.

Give your ears and hear what is said,

Give your mind over to their interpretation:

It is profitable to put them in your heart,

But woe to him that neglects them!

Let them rest in the shrine of your insides

That they may act as a lock in your heart;

Now when there come a storm of words,

They will be a mooring post on your tongue

- Amem-em-Opet -

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