Before the tower of Babel, “the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech” (Genesis 11:1). But as they tried to build a tower that would reach heaven, their language became “confounded,” so that they couldn’t understand one another. As a result, they were scattered, separating themselves from one another. (See Genesis 11:7-9.)
At least one family cried out for help during this troubled time. A man named Jared said to his brother, “Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words” (Ether 1:34). When the Lord answered this prayer, he sent his brother back with another request: “Cry again unto the Lord, and it may be that he will turn away his anger from them who are our friends, that he confound not their language” (Ether 1:36). The Lord had compassion on them, and they were able to continue to communicate with their family and friends. As the people scattered, Jared and his friends and family were able to remain together and travel as a group. (See Ether 1:40-43.)
Do you ever come away from a conversation thinking that you haven’t been fully understood? Have you ever felt that you didn’t understand the other person, even though they were speaking the same language as you? Merely using familiar words does not constitute effective communication. We need to establish a shared frame of reference and convey new information in a way that the listener can relate to. Many times in our conversations, we may as well be at the tower of Babel, speaking and listening to one another but entirely misunderstanding one another. Consistent miscommunication tends to separate us.
What is the remedy? It’s the same as Jared and his brother. We can pray to not be confounded. We can pray to understand one another better, and thus to heal the rifts between us instead of making them wider. We can improve our communication first with close family members, and then with our friends. Improved communication will yield unity and collaborative action.
Today, I will pray to not be confounded. I will pray to understand family members, friends, work colleagues, and fellow church members, and to grow more unified with them as I communicate more effectively with them.