What Does the Bible Say About Listening?

The art of listening is demonstrated in the Bible in different ways. Not only does humankind attempt to listen to God, but God also listens to humankind. Plus, people are advised to listen to one another. In fact, the New Testament writer James underscores the importance of listening when he writes that we "should be quick to listen and slow to speak." (James 1:19). What are the benefits of listening, according to the Bible, and why should we try to improve this skill? This article will explain what the Bible says about listening.

Careful Listening

Just because a person is speaking does not mean he is being listened to. More than anyone else, God is aware of this fact. Repeatedly, prophets acting as God's representatives urge people to listen. Jesus, for example, said: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matthew 11:15). Listening does not occur naturally but is a result of a conscious choice. People can also make the conscious decision not to listen, as when Moses' subjects said: "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." (Exodus 20:19).

God Listens

In times of sadness as well as in times of joy, people all over the world pray to God every hour of the day. The Bible declares that God is listening. Even as early as its first book, the Bible illustrates that God is listening. With gladness, Rachel states, "God has vindicated me; he has listened to my plea and given me a son." (Genesis 30:6).

Misconceptions

Although listening may appear to be easy, it is often hard work. True listening requires you give another person your attention and possibly to change your attitudes as you listen. Listening can be more difficult than performing physical labor. A passage from the Gospel of Luke tells the story of two sisters. Martha and Mary welcomed Jesus as a guest into their home. Martha became irritated with her sister because Mary decided to listen to Jesus speak rather than help clean the house. Jesus praised Mary's patience and desire to hear the word of God. He instructed Martha: "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." (Luke 10:38-42).

Failure to Listen

The art of listening is fundamental to your growth, according to the Bible. It states: "He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame." (Proverbs 18:13). The Bible notes the pitfall of turning a deaf ear to the Word of God: "Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge." (Proverbs 19:27). Failure to listen to wise words only diminishes the person who ignores them, while the one who speaks them suffers no loss.

The Call of God

According to the Bible, being able to listen for God's "calling" in your life requires equal measures of patience and flexibility. This calling is represented both literally and figuratively in scripture. For example, when God calls Samuel, he does so literally by using his voice. Eager to perform God's will, Samuel answers: "Speak. I'm your servant, ready to listen. "(1 Samuel 3:10). By contrast, God's calling is represented figuratively by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:9). In this sense, God's calling is referred to as his desire for believers to recognize their growth potential. In either case, people are encouraged to listen closely to what God is saying.

Resources

• 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Anointed to Follow
• Archbishop Williams says the Bible invites listening