> We often think of communication as the words we say, but the wisest people in Scripture — and in life — are those who master the art of listening. Good listening is more than silence; it’s active, humble, and seeks to understand rather than merely respond. The book of Proverbs offers rich insights into why listening matters and how it blesses every relationship.
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Wisdom from Proverbs: Why Listening Matters
Let’s uncover how Proverbs elevates the careful listener:
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” (ESV)
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.” (NIV)
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (NIV)
These verses teach that true wisdom doesn’t simply flow from our lips — it grows in the soil of a receptive heart.
Listening Well: Lessons and Examples
1. Listening Increases Wisdom
Proverbs 1:5 reminds us that wise people never stop learning. They recognize that everyone has something to teach.
Example:
Think of a seasoned teacher who still sits in the front row at conferences, notebook in hand. Their humility allows for personal growth, and that humility makes them the best teachers.
2. Listening Prevents Folly
Proverbs 18:13 warns against the knee-jerk tendency to answer before fully hearing. Jumping to conclusions or speaking out of turn embarrasses us and can cause unnecessary hurt.
Example:
A friend starts sharing a struggle, but we interrupt with assumptions or advice, missing their real pain. Misunderstandings and frustration follow—when a patient ear could have brought comfort.
3. Listening Leads to Good Decisions
Proverbs 19:20 commends listening to advice and accepting correction. This isn’t always easy, but it shapes us into wiser, more discerning people.
Example:
An employee faces a tough situation at work. By asking a mentor for counsel and truly listening—even if it means hearing hard truths—they avoid mistakes and grow as a leader.
Application: Becoming a Better Listener
How can we practice the art of listening, as Proverbs instructs?
- Be Present: Put away distractions. Make eye contact. Let the other person know you value their words.
- Hold Your Tongue: Resist the urge to interrupt or to mentally prepare replies while others are speaking.
- Ask Clarifying Questions: Seek to understand the heart behind the words.
- Welcome Correction: God speaks through people—accept advice with gratitude, even when it’s challenging.
- Pray for Humility: Ask God for a teachable spirit and a heart open to wisdom.
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
— James 1:19 (NIV)
Conclusion
The art of listening is a mark of spiritual maturity and humility. In a noisy world eager for voices, let’s model the wisdom God so values by being swift to listen and slow to speak. This approach builds stronger marriages, friendships, workplaces, and churches—and draws us closer to the heart of God Himself.
Let’s commit today to become better listeners, trusting that in listening well, we open ourselves to God’s voice and to the people He places in our lives.
Stay tuned for the next lesson in our Proverbs series on Speech and Communication!
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