SCRIPTURE
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him...My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry...Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:5, 19, 22
SPOTLIGHT
My wife, Donna, tells the following story about a teaching experience that she had when she was just beginning her career. “He was a squirming, restless, extremely busy bundle of humanity. At the age of seven, he had already discovered a multitude of excuses for sidestepping his classroom assignments, and today was no exception. My colleague, Mrs. Smith, was working directly with Robbie when I heard her say, ‘Now Robbie, we have a very important lesson to learn, so I want you to put on your ‘listening ears.’ ‘Oh Mrs. Smith,’ Robbie replied to his teacher, ‘My right listening ear is working OK, but I think my left listening ear is broken.’ I chuckled to myself as I thought of my ingenious little friend’s sincere endeavor to get out of work, and to continue to do things his own way. Of course, he did not succeed. Mrs. Smith was determined to teach Robbie to read, despite his brave efforts to escape the process. She gently, but firmly, “fixed” Robbie’s left listening ear, and continued the lesson for that day.”
People like to talk more than listen. Just think of all the ways people can voice their opinions through the internet. Would you prefer to talk, or listen if you had to make a choice?
Many people pretend to listen. They can look right at you, and not really be listening to you. What you are saying is going in one ear, and out the other.
It cannot be overstated that listening is critical to learning. Parents want their children to listen, and learn. So do teachers. And so, does God. He longs for people to attentively listen to His teachings. Psalm 78:1 states, “Oh My people, hear My teaching, listen to the words of My mouth.”
In the Book of James, Chapter 1 is filled with truths related to LEARNING TO LISTEN. In verse 5, people are given the privilege to become wise by asking God for wisdom. However, asking God requires listening to God. In verse 19, James points out that people are quick to speak, and slow to listen. In verse 22, people are challenged to listen to God by listening to His Word, the Holy Bible. In order to listen, people are going to have to take the time to read God’s Word.
Proverbs is filled with verses related to LEARNING TO LISTEN. Proverbs 10:19 states, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 13:3 states, “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 17:28 states, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” Proverbs 29:20 states, “Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool then for him.”
God has created you with two ears, and only one mouth, so that you will listen more than you speak. Speak less, and listen more. Learn to listen to God first, and others second. Learn to listen to God by reading His Word, and sincerely praying. Your opinion is important, but not to the extent that you do not hear from God, who longs to make you wise.
SOMETHING TO DO
Read Psalm 81. Then read it for a second time, and note verses 8,11 and 13. What did God’s people miss out on because they did not listen?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I want to learn to listen to You first, and then to others. I need Your wisdom, and then I need to be able to discern whether people are telling me beneficial information when I listen to them. My heart and ears are open to You teaching me, for I do realize that listening begins with an open heart to You. AMEN.