When we listen to God first, as in gaining instruction and correction from His Word, we’ll find ourselves getting more and more equipped to listen to others. God’s Word is able to thoroughly equip us.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Scripture Is Useful in Teaching Us About Listening
God’s Word teaches us about the wisdom and discernment of listening.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. (Prov. 18:15)
We add to our learning and get guidance when we listen (Prov. 1:5). We accurately represent what we hear when we carefully listen (Prov. 21:28). We tend to find ourselves in less trouble by listening (Prov. 21:23).
God Word Equips Us to Listen by Rebuking and Correcting Us
The Bible clearly warns us about the foolishness of not listening.
To answer before listening – that is folly and shame. (Prov. 18:13)
What a rebuke to read that an ungodly or perverse person is wiser and more discerning than us if “they keep silent” and “hold their tongues” (Prov. 17:28).
Scripture Trains Us in Righteousness
Listening follows God’s instruction and heeds His warning. Not only is listening the wise and discerning way to relate with others, it’s also the righteous way.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19-20)
A failure to listen often results in misunderstandings or misinterpretations of what people are trying to communicate. That can then lead to negative reactions which are contrary to the Christ-like character He wants to build in us. Instead of humbly exercising godly wisdom, we “harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition” in our hearts which is earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic (James 3:13-16).
Listeners, on the other hand, tend to be the wise ones “who sow in peace” and “reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:13-18). Listening demonstrates that “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17-18).
For More on These Topics, Go To:
All Posts about Listening Skills:
- Start by Listening to God
- Getting Others On Board Starts by Listening
- Listening, A Core Element of Body Life
- Why We Start by Listening to the Lord
- Why Listen to Others
- Jesus Actively Listened
- Christ-like Listening Communicates
- If Listening Doesn’t Come Naturally
- Is Listening One of Your Weaknesses?
- Listening Enhanced with the Help of the Holy Spirit
- Praying According to God’s Will Begins & Ends with Listening
- Want Someone to Listen?
- Scripture Equips Us to Listen
- Doing Everything in His Name Makes Us Better Listeners
- The Gospel Gives Us a Reason to Listen
- Strongholds That Keep Us from Being Good Listeners
- The Resurrection Gives What We Need to be Better Listeners
- Listening Affects Fulfilling Leadership Roles