Listening is a vital part of communication and relationships, but what does the Bible say about it? The scriptures highlight the importance of being a good listener, whether it’s to God, others, or our own hearts. Let’s explore the biblical wisdom on listening and how it can impact our lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About listening
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of listening for those who desire wisdom and understanding. It encourages the wise to continually seek growth through active listening, learning, and seeking guidance.
Listening allows us to gain knowledge, insights, and perspectives that we may have otherwise missed. It cultivates humility and opens our hearts and minds to receive wisdom from others.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
This verse teaches us the importance of being attentive listeners. It advises us to be swift in listening, slow to speak, and slow to react in anger.
By actively listening, we show respect for others, promote understanding, and minimize misunderstandings. It also allows us to respond thoughtfully and with empathy, rather than reacting impulsively and destructively.
John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Jesus, speaking metaphorically about his followers, describes them as his sheep who listen to his voice. He acknowledges his intimate knowledge of them and their commitment to follow him.
As believers, we are called to listen attentively to the voice of Jesus through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our willingness to listen and follow allows us to experience a deep and intimate relationship with our Savior.
Proverbs 2:2
“Turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding.”
This verse encourages us to actively seek wisdom and understanding by attentively listening to its teachings.
By turning our ear to wisdom, we show a desire to learn and grow. We are reminded that true understanding comes not only from hearing but also from applying the knowledge gained in our hearts and lives.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
This verse warns against the deception of passively listening to God’s Word without applying its teachings in our lives.
Merely listening to God’s Word without putting it into practice leads to self-deception. True listening involves both hearing and obeying, allowing the transformative power of God’s Word to shape our actions and character.
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of not just hearing but also actively obeying his teachings. Those who listen and apply his words are compared to a wise builder who constructs their foundation on a solid rock.
Listening and obedience go hand in hand, allowing us to establish a firm foundation for our faith. When we apply God’s Word, our lives are built on a sturdy and unshakable foundation.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
This verse highlights the wisdom in listening to advice and accepting discipline. It assures us that by doing so, we will be counted among the wise.
Being receptive to the counsel of others demonstrates humility and a willingness to grow. It allows us to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and make sound decisions that lead to wisdom and success.
Matthew 13:9
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Jesus often used this phrase to highlight the importance of spiritual understanding and receptivity.
By urging others to hear, he emphasized the need for attentive listening and receptiveness to his teachings. It is an invitation to engage with God’s Word and allow it to transform our lives.
Proverbs 8:33
“Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
God’s wisdom calls us to listen attentively to his instruction. It encourages us not to dismiss or neglect the wisdom that he offers.
By actively listening to God’s instruction, we position ourselves to receive the discernment, insight, and guidance that leads to true wisdom.
Luke 11:28
“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”
When a woman in the crowd praised Jesus’ mother, he declared that true blessings come to those who hear God’s Word and obey it.
Listening to God’s Word is not enough; obedience is required for true blessing. By actively obeying God’s commands, we align ourselves with his will and experience the fullness of his blessings in our lives.
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”
This verse warns against the foolishness and shame that come from responding without truly listening. It highlights the importance of hearing and understanding before offering a reply.
By taking the time to listen and consider the full context, we demonstrate respect, empathy, and wisdom in our interactions with others.
Mark 4:24
“‘Consider carefully what you hear,’’ he continued. ‘With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.”
Jesus urges his listeners to consider carefully what they hear, for the measure they use in listening will determine the measure they receive in return.
By attentively listening and wholeheartedly engaging with God’s Word, we position ourselves to receive an abundance of wisdom, insight, and revelation.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
This verse contrasts the mindset of fools and the wise. Foolish people believe their own way is right, but the wise are open to listening and considering advice.
Listening to advice requires humility and acknowledges the wisdom found in the collective perspectives and experiences of others.
Matthew 11:15
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Jesus invites those who have ears to hear and understand his message. This call to listen indicates the necessity of spiritual receptivity and understanding.
By actively engaging with Jesus’ teachings, we open ourselves to the transformative power of his words, allowing them to bring forth growth and spiritual maturity.
Proverbs 15:31
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”
This verse highlights the value of heeding life-giving correction and the reward of being counted among the wise.
By humbly accepting correction and guidance, we position ourselves to learn, grow, and develop the wisdom necessary for fruitful and fulfilling lives.
Matthew 13:43
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Jesus shares a parable about the righteous shining like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. He once again invites his listeners to hear and discern the deeper meaning behind his words.
By having ears to hear and understanding the profound truths in Jesus’ teachings, we are able to live righteous and impactful lives that bring glory to God.
Proverbs 1:33
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
The book of Proverbs promises safety and ease to those who listen to wisdom rather than reject it.
Through attentive listening and heeding the voice of wisdom, we are led away from harm and into a life of security, tranquility, and peace.
Luke 8:15
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus speaks of the seed planted on good soil, representing those who not only hear the word but also retain it and bear fruit through perseverance.
True listening and understanding involve retaining God’s Word in our hearts, continually seeking it, and allowing it to transform us, leading to a fruitful and abundant life.
Proverbs 19:27
“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
This verse warns against the dangers of ignoring instruction and emphasizes the importance of actively listening to gain knowledge and wisdom.
When we dismiss or neglect instruction, we become susceptible to going astray and veering away from the path of wisdom and understanding.
Matthew 13:16
“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”
Jesus acknowledges the blessedness of those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, recognizing the spiritual discernment and understanding they possess.
By actively engaging with God’s truth and seeking revelation, we are blessed with divine insights and a deeper intimacy with God.
Proverbs 22:17
“Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach.”
This verse encourages us to pay attention, listen attentively, and open our hearts to the teachings of the wise.
By actively engaging with the wisdom shared, we position ourselves to grow in understanding and apply the valuable lessons in our lives.
Mark 4:9
“Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.’”
Repeatedly, Jesus calls upon those who have ears to hear and understand his teachings.
By having ears attuned to his message, we demonstrate a receptiveness to his words and a desire for deeper spiritual insight.
Proverbs 23:12
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
This verse urges us to attentively listen and wholeheartedly devote ourselves to instruction and knowledge.
By actively applying our hearts and ears to instruction, we position ourselves to gain wisdom, understanding, and spiritual insight.