“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” –James 1:19
We’re all aware that God gave us two ears, and only one mouth, for a purpose!
However, “Did not listen” is a common phrase, not only today, but in the time the Bible was written. That phrase is found 33 times in the NASB, along with some variations.
One is positive, where Joseph did not listen to his master’s wife when she tried to seduce him. (Genesis 39:10)
The typical ones are about Pharaoh refusing to listen to Moses, or the kings refusing to listen to God or to the people. Exodus 7:13, 22, 8:15, 19, 9:12; 1 Kings 12:15–16, 2 Chronicles 10:15–16
King Josiah was one of the good kings, who did right in the sight of the LORD. He re-established the Passover which was the largest since the time of Samuel. He did many good things, but in 2 Chronicles 35, when King Neco of Egypt wanted to pass through Judea so he could attack the people at the Euphrates, Josiah would not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to make war with him; nor did he listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to make war on the plain of Megiddo. 2 Chronicles 35:22. Josiah lost his life in that battle, at the age of 39.
Jeremiah told the Israelites 8 times, that they did not listen. Jeremiah, repeatedly, told the people what God would do if they did not turn away from worshiping idols, but they did not listen.
Finally, Now the captain of the bodyguard had taken Jeremiah and said to him, “The LORD your God promised this calamity against this place; and the LORD has brought it on and done just as He promised. Because you people sinned against the LORD and did not listen to His voice, therefore this thing has happened to you.” Jeremiah 40:2-3
‘But they did not listen or incline their ears to turn from their wickedness, so as not to burn sacrifices to other gods. Jeremiah 44:5
How are your listening skills?
How many marriages have failed because spouses did not listen?
How many youths have gone in the wrong direction because they did not listen, or, because their parents did not listen to them?
Are you listening to God? I get the sense that He is speaking to us all the time, but we are not listening to Him. Certainly, He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible, which is why daily time with Him in His Word is so important.
It might be good to reflect on the idea of listening. Is there a specific instance when you did not listen? What were the consequences?
What would it take to invest some time in your listening skills?
Think and Pray: What areas of your life should you be quick to listen, and slow to speak? Heavenly Father, help me to listen to You first, and others next, before I speak with those I encounter this week in Jesus’ name, amen!
Eldon Kibbey has served as the Director of CBMC Indiana since 1998. His earlier career included a tour of duty with the US Air Force, a brief career in the aerospace industry with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, and then 26 years at the helm of a national janitorial service. Eldon and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of four children, and have three grandsons.
