Hearing and Listening

My son, pay attention to what I say, turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart. 

Proverbs 4:20-21 NIV

In our previous two posts, we have focused on saying and doing and note that the scriptures note actions speak louder than words as evidenced in the books of James and John.

Today's verse from Proverbs firstly provides an instruction. The priority is to 'pay attention to what I say.' We 'pay attention' by listening as opposed to simply hearing.

Hearing is a passive, involuntary process whereas listening requires action. It's voluntary and requires effort. It's said that we reveal more about ourselves in our daily conversation than we realise but there's little need for concern as most people are not actively listening to notice. We get accustomed to 'hearing' what is being said. If we actually listen, we pick up on the vocabulary used, noting specific words choices used and of equal importance, what wasn't said.

Following the instruction to 'pay attention,' the author affirms this by adding, 'turn your ear to my words.' This requires action. The sentence flows with an instruction followed how the instruction is carried out. This affirms the importance of what is being said.

The importance is confirmed by the rule of the negative, that being that anything which is said in the negative is both sensitive and important. Here, following the priority of paying attention, we are told, 'do not' let them out of your sight.' It's important to listen and by listening we can learn and understand. This is sensitive and important. By keeping them (the words) in the heart, they can be internalised and remembered.

This is good advice which can provide wisdom and prompt positive action.

Rather than 'knowledge being power,'' knowledge APPLIED is power.'

The right actions speak louder than words and we can get a head start by listening and learning.

If you have any verses you would like us to analyse, let us know.