In order to have a satisfactory result when one person has to explain anything to another, it is chiefly necessary that the person to whom the explanation is offered, should really and sincerely try to understand what the other would express.
It is very desirable that the explainer should use such words and such manner as shall best express his mind; but, though he spake never so clearly, if the other is listening without that real interest to understand, language will always afford to a disputer opportunities of raising questions and of misrepresenting assertions, and of so confounding (as the disputer thinks) the other, but really he himself is the confounded one; for the other still knows what his own meaning is, though he may be grieved at his failure to lead his friend to understand it, and profit by it, while the disputer has missed what perhaps might have been a real increase of wisdom or knowledge to him, and certainly what would have been an opportunity of manly, friendly, and wise intercourse, and exchange of ideas.
There surely is wisdom in these observations. And we, Christians, would do well to lay them to heart. Is it saying too much to assert, that there is amongst us a lack of that patient waiting, both on God and each other, that would result in mutual edification and happy communion?
What a contrast this scripture presents to the case described in the above observations.