Dead-end Communications Due to Arrogance

Troubles in communications arise from being reluctant to consider another person's point of view and by refusing to explore alternatives to crucial issues and problems. Conversely, healthy communications permit divergent points of view to be considered along with respecting other people’s experience and intelligence.

An impasse in communications may derive from arrogance or pride by positioning oneself above others. While in college I met a young man who could not read but was an interesting and talented individual. If I had discounted his ability to communicate on the basis of his education, then I would have been a poorer person for my arrogance. 

Remaining teachable regardless of educational accomplishments is an antidote to arrogance and dead-end communications. Proverbs offers this advice: "If you call out to the Lord God for insight and cry aloud for understanding," then you will be receptive to wisdom and will have courage to make necessary changes. Praise God for that. 

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Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel.

~ Proverbs 13:10 The Message 

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When Communications Collapse

Problems with communication are a phenomenon each individual will ultimately experience. Every relationship will eventually reach an impasse where communications break down.  An impasse occurs when a relationship becomes so emotionally charged, all motivation for rational discussion collapses.

When two strong-willed personalities are unwilling to admit bad judgement, a breakdown in communication follows suit. These individuals believe such an admission implies weakness or inferiority. Actually, honesty and truthfulness show integrity and strength of character, which prevent an impasse from taking place.

Proverbs 29:11 discourages permitting anger to evolve into rage, which destroys communications. Preventing a communication impasse begins with asking God for wisdom and applying that wisdom to accept the other person's perspective. As we seek forgiveness and reconciliation, the Lord Jesus Christ provides mercy for making that possible. 

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Deliver me, O Lord, from deceitful lips, from a lying tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?

~Psalm 120:2-3 English Standard Version

 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.   

~Proverbs 21:23 The Message 

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