Why is listening so important?

Proverbs 1:9What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

Listening is important because it can help us grow and mature. Good listening fosters learning, which leads to knowledge and wisdom.

Proverbs 5:13-14“Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”

Listening is important because it can keep us from making mistakes we could have avoided. When we truly listen to advice, we absorb it with our minds and in our hearts. It will then be useful at the right time, when we are most vulnerable to temptation.

Luke 9:35A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.”

Luke 11:28“Even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

John 16:13“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

Revelation 2:11“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

Listening is important because listening to God is essential to making good decisions for now and for eternity. When we truly listen to the Holy Spirit and to God’s commands, we will have the guidance we need to make wise choices.

Proverbs 8:6“Listen to me! For I [Wisdom] have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception.”

Listening is important because it keeps us from being closed-minded, providing us opportunities to hear a variety of ideas from many different sources. The more we listen, the better our chances of hearing an excellent nugget of wisdom. God’s truth is found in God’s word, but the application of God’s truth is often found through the advice and experience of others.

Exodus 18:24Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.

Job 29:21-23“Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak. And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them. They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.”

Listening is important because it shows that we respect others. It honors their words. We feel affirmed when we have been listened to.

Proverbs 21:13Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.

Romans 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Listening is important because it connects us with others. It helps us to know when they are in need and how best to help them.