Listening is an act of love and empathy, fostering understanding and connection. Here are verses that emphasize the importance of listening with humility and compassion, valuing others’ perspectives and experiences.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors
Bible Verses About Listening To Others
James 1:19 – We should be quick to listen and slow to speak
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Proverbs 18:13 – It is foolish to answer before listening
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”
Ecclesiastes 3:7 – There is a time to listen and a time to speak
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
Proverbs 1:5 – Wise people listen to advice
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Proverbs 12:15 – The way of the fool seems right in their own eyes
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Proverbs 19:20 – Listening to counsel leads to success
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and in the end, you will be counted among the wise.”
Proverbs 15:22 – Plans fail without wise counsel
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
Isaiah 50:4 – The Lord gives us the ability to listen
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”
Proverbs 20:12 – God has given us ears to hear
“Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.”
Luke 8:18 – Understanding the word depends on listening
“Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
Colossians 3:16 – Let the message of Christ dwell among us
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Philippians 2:4 – Look not only to our own interests
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Romans 15:2 – Please our neighbors for their good
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
1 Peter 3:8 – Be harmonious and compassionate
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord and listen to His guidance
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 1:19 – Willingness to listen brings goodness
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”
Acts 17:11 – The Bereans listened with eagerness
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
Proverbs 25:12 – A wise person listens with care
“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.”
Job 34:3 – Ears test words like food tastes
“For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.”
Matthew 7:24 – Listening to Jesus leads to wisdom
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Proverbs 23:12 – Apply your heart to instruction
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
Acts 3:22 – Hear Jesus, the prophet
“For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.'”
Proverbs 10:8 – The wise in heart will accept commands
“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
Matthew 11:15 – Those who hear should listen
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
2 Timothy 4:3 – A time will come for sound doctrine
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
Psalms 37:5 – Commit everything to the Lord
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
Psalms 119:99 – Wisdom comes from listening to God’s statutes
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.”
What Does the Bible Say About Listening To Others
In our journey through life, the Bible provides us with profound wisdom on the significance of listening to others. Throughout the Scriptures, we find that listening is not merely a passive activity, but an active engagement that embodies humility, empathy, and wisdom.
We are encouraged to listen diligently to the advice and teachings of the wise, as this fosters growth and understanding. The ancient wisdom of Proverbs repeatedly underscores the value of heeding counsel and being receptive to instruction. By doing so, we align ourselves more closely with God’s desires for us and open our hearts to learning.
Moreover, the act of listening is crucial in our relationships with one another. The Epistle of James emphasizes the importance of being “quick to listen and slow to speak.” This instruction helps us cultivate patience and compassion, allowing us to truly understand the needs and pains of our brothers and sisters. By listening, we show that we value and respect the experiences and perspectives of others.
Jesus Himself exemplified the power of listening. His interactions with individuals, from His disciples to those marginalized by society, were marked by an attentiveness that conveyed deep respect and love. When He listened, He responded in ways that were transformative, offering healing, wisdom, and reconciliation.
Furthermore, listening is not restricted to human interactions but extends to our relationship with God. The Bible urges us to be still and attentive to God’s voice, as seen in the story of Samuel. By tuning our ears and hearts to the divine, we are better equipped to discern His will and purpose for our lives.
In conclusion, listening according to the Bible transcends mere hearing. It is an act of love and grace, building bridges of understanding and unity. We are called to listen actively and compassionately, reflecting Christ’s example in our daily interactions and in our walk with God.