Confounding of Languages and An Understanding Heart

You will probably remember the scriptural account of the confounding of the languages at the Tower of Babel, I like how Jared and his brother responded to that experience:

"And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.
"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded.
(Ether 1:34 - 35)

I thought about how important it was for him to be able to understand those he loved still, and I wondered what would have happened if they hadn't prayed for understanding. It reminded me of when the Lord appeared to Solomon one night, "and God said, Ask what I shall give thee". Solomon could have asked for riches, power, longevity, anything. – what he did ask for is more impressive than all of those things…. Can you guess…….. he said:
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart ……., that I may discern between good and bad:"
"And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing".
(1 Kings 3:5-10).

I am going to try and tie this altogether now.

The reason for the languages being confounded was due to sin brought about by pride and selfishness. Sometimes in relationships it is as if the languages have been confounded when it is difficult to understand another's soul and perspective, whether it is in families, friendships, or any other associations. The only way to really understand another is to do as Solomon did; to lay aside any selfish wants, and to pray as the brother of Jared did.

I hope today that we will have understanding hearts to those we come into contact with, and if we don't, that we will pray until we get one.