Carol Burks relates this story:

After finishing our Chinese food, my husband and I cracked open our fortune cookies. Mine read, “Be quiet for a little while.” His read, “Talk while you have a chance.”

The art of conversation is difficult to master. Even spouses who have been together for a long time still need to work at having thoughtful discussions where listening is just as important as speaking. May we always be striving to become better listeners.

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”—Proverbs 17:27-28.