What does the Bible say about listen?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible calls us to listen humbly and discerningly to God, receiving wise counsel while testing every voice by his truth. Proverbs commends the teachable person who gains wisdom, honors parental instruction, and bends the ear to the words of the wise (Proverbs 1:5; 1:8-9; 22:17). James 1:19 urges believers to be quick to hear and slow to speak or anger. Above all, God summons thirsty sinners to hear him so that their souls may live (Isaiah 55:1-3). Faithful teachers must guard and communicate true knowledge (Malachi 2:7), and Christians should recognize the Spirit of truth by the apostolic word (1 John 4:5-6).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 1:5

    That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; That the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:

  • Proverbs 25:12

    As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

  • Proverbs 1:8-9

    [8] My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching: [9] For they will be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck.

  • James 1:19

    So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;

  • Proverbs 22:17

    Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.

  • Proverbs 16:15

    In the light of the king's face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.

  • 1 John 4:5-6

    [5] They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. [6] We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

  • Isaiah 55:1-3

    [1] Ho, everyone who thirsts, come you to the waters, and he who has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. [2] Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which doesn't satisfy? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. [3] Turn your ear, and come to me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

  • Malachi 2:7

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Hosts.

  • Proverbs 12:15

    The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about listen and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about listen