How To Be A Better Listener

The Lord is interested in our hearing. He has given mankind direction on the proper way to listen in the pages of Scripture. In one place, the Bible says, “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). This is a principle which certainly does not come naturally to most of us! Many times, I want to talk as opposed to listen. More often than not, the subject I am prone to discuss is my favorite...ME! Yet God instructs us to take a radically different approach to our conversational skills.

The above quote from the book of James must be kept in its proper context if we are to derive the most benefit. The topic at hand is the fact that “every good and every perfect gift” comes directly from the Lord (James 1:17). Included, of course, is “the word of truth” (James 1:18), easily one of the greatest of God’s gifts to mankind. Verse eighteen indicates that God “brought us forth by the word of truth that we might be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.” The gospel has the power to save (Romans 1:16-17) and thus change lives. Thus the instruction to “be swift to hear, slow to speak.” The principles and commands contained in Scripture are not up for negotiation. We have not the liberty to “make deals” or select which portions of the Bible we will accept. Why are so many uncomfortable or even irate at one or more commandments of God’s word today? It is simple really: They are swift to speak, slow to hear, and swift to wrath!

In the days of Christ, many of the Jews heard, but they did not really hear! Many today hear, yet fail to listen. There are several varieties of listeners today. Here are a handful of examples:

• One can listen and criticize; they can pick the words, sentences, or facts apart. They hear the language errors a speaker makes, but are impervious to the truth.


• There are those who listen in resentment. They hear, but they do so with great hostility in their heart. Truth does not alter their intellect, but rather fires their passions.


• Some listen in sheer superiority. These individuals do not listen, but merely hear your words to be polite.


• Some, however, listen to learn. They have an open, honest, yet discerning heart. They are seeking, knocking, and asking. These listeners will hear and obey the truth. They will experience great spiritual growth, and be blessed because they have taken the admonition of James chapter one and verse nineteen seriously.

Friend, how are your listening skills? Applying God’s counsel in hearing his word will certainly help you in your social listening as well. Everyone likes a good listener. Instead of consistently dominating the conversation, “be swift to hear, slow to speak.” If you apply this principle in social settings, people will appreciate you. If you apply this principle in your dealings with the Bible, God will surely bless you!

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Shades Of Jehoiakim In Chattanooga

Richard McCoy may not even know it, but he was virtually reenacting a scene from the book of Jeremiah.

Chattanooga fire officials say McCoy used pages from a copy of the Bible in his Best Western motel room to kindle several small fires. He even disconnected his room's smoke alarm to delay detection, thereby greatly endangering other guests.

Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of the "Biblical blazes," but McCoy was arrested and charged with counts of aggravated arson and vandalism.

When I first came across this strange story, the first thought that came to mind was the account of King Jehoiakim. In the 36th chapter of Jeremiah's prophecy to Judah, the childishly stubborn acts of this king are recorded for all to read; and, although Mr. McCoy may or may not have shared this king's motivation, his strange antics help us recall the actions of a foolish leader.

-- Click here to read the text --

Jehoiakim's hard heart compelled him to reject the very word of the Lord that was intended to mercifully warn Judah of impending disaster. His worldly wisdom deceived him into believing the burning of one scroll could prevent God's will from coming to pass. From observing the teaching and behavior of many in our own time (including many religious types), Satan still has the masses duped and deceived into believing that human effort can somehow thwart or alter the plans of the Almighty.

May we always hold God's word in utmost reverence.

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Jeremiah 55:11, ESV

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