Hearing is mentioned frequently in the Bible, not just in a physical sense but also spiritually. Whether it’s hearing God’s voice or listening to wise counsel, Scripture has a lot to say about the importance of hearing. Let’s explore how the Bible teaches us to listen carefully, both to the world around us and to God’s guidance.
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What Does The Bible Say About Hearing
Romans 10:17
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of hearing the word of God in order to develop and grow in faith. It implies that faith is not something we can manufacture ourselves but rather a result of hearing and receiving the teachings of Jesus.
James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
This verse encourages us to put our faith into action and not be content with merely hearing the word of God. It warns against self-deception and highlights the need for practical obedience to the truths we hear.
Matthew 13:16
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.”
Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are granted the ability to truly see and hear, implying that not everyone has the spiritual capacity to understand and receive God’s message. This verse acknowledges the role of divine revelation in enabling us to comprehend and respond to God’s truth.
John 10:27
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Jesus describes his followers as those who hear his voice and follow him. This verse suggests that hearing and recognizing Christ’s voice is essential for a close relationship with him and active discipleship.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
This verse encourages us to be receptive to wise counsel and willing to learn, recognizing that listening to advice is crucial for growth in wisdom. It highlights the importance of humility and a teachable attitude.
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of listening and learning for those who are wise. It implies that those who humbly seek understanding and guidance will continue to grow in wisdom.
Matthew 13:9
“He who has ears, let him hear.”
This phrase, often used by Jesus, serves as an invitation for deeper understanding and spiritual discernment. It suggests that not everyone is willing or able to truly hear and grasp the message being presented.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
In this verse, God calls us to be still, to quiet our hearts and minds, in order to recognize and acknowledge His absolute sovereignty. By doing so, we can better hear God’s voice and experience His presence.
Acts 10:33
“So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Here, Cornelius affirms his readiness to listen to the apostle Peter’s message. It demonstrates the eagerness and open mindset necessary to receive God’s instructions and guidance.
Mark 4:24
“And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.”
Jesus urges his disciples to be diligent in their hearing and attentive to the truth, as the level of understanding and blessing received will be proportional to their willingness to listen and respond.
Matthew 11:15
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Jesus frequently emphasizes the importance of truly hearing His message. This verse serves as a reminder that God’s truth requires a receptive heart and an attentive mind, inviting us to engage deeply with His teachings.
Luke 11:28
“But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Jesus prioritizes obedience along with hearing the word of God. This verse highlights the blessing that comes from both attentively listening to God’s message and putting it into practice.
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
God invites us to call upon Him and promises to respond with revelation and insight. This verse encourages us to actively seek God’s voice and to anticipate His wisdom when we listen with a willing heart.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
These verses emphasize the vitalness of listening to God as the foundation of our relationship with Him. It speaks to the need for total devotion and wholehearted love for God, which naturally flows from hearing and internalizing His truth.
Matthew 17:5
“He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
During the transfiguration, God reinforces the significance of listening to Jesus by explicitly instructing His disciples to pay attention to what He says. This event further highlights the divine authority of Jesus’ words.
Hebrews 3:15
“As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.””
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder not to resist or disregard God’s voice when we hear Him speak. It warns against hardening our hearts but encourages immediate obedience and responsiveness.
John 8:43
“Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word.”
Jesus addresses those who struggle to comprehend His teachings, indicating that their spiritual disposition prevents them from truly hearing His word. This verse implies that a receptive heart is required for understanding.
1 Samuel 15:22
“And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.””
Samuel confronts disobedience and highlights the superior value of listening to God’s voice over performing religious rituals. It emphasizes the importance of obedience as a fruit of attentive listening.
Isaiah 30:21
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
God promises to guide and direct us through His words. This verse assures us that when we actively listen to His voice, He will lead us along the right path and provide clear direction in every situation.
Exodus 15:26
“If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
This verse reveals God’s promise to bless and protect His people if they listen to His voice and follow His commands. It highlights the connection between obedience and the abundant provision and protection of the Lord.
Psalms 81:8
“Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me!”
God calls His people to listen and heed His instruction. This verse indicates that observing and heeding God’s words are essential for experiencing His guidance, blessings, and protection.
Acts 28:27
“For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”
Here, the apostle Paul cites a prophetic warning about those who have become spiritually apathetic and resistant to God’s message. It underscores the necessity of receptive hearts and attentive ears for true understanding and healing.
Isaiah 55:3
“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”
God invites us to turn towards Him, to listen attentively to His words, and promises abundant life as a result. This verse highlights the life-giving nature of God’s communication and His desire for a lasting covenant relationship with His people.
The theme of hearing runs through the entire Bible, emphasizing the significance of actively listening to God’s voice. Hearing the Word of God is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one as well. It requires a receptive heart, a willingness to obey, and a teachable spirit. In hearing, we can find faith, direction, guidance, and wisdom. However, hearing alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by a response of obedience and application. We are called to be not only hearers but also doers of the Word. By hearing and keeping God’s commands, we position ourselves to experience His blessings, guidance, and transformation in our lives. May we all have ears to truly hear the voice of God and respond in wholehearted obedience.