Listening is a vital key to life and good relationships, requiring effective communication where both parties must be attentive listeners. We often fail to listen carefully to others, just as we frequently fail to listen to the Lord. We are called to listen to God through His Word and the human instruments He has chosen. The principle of listening is deeply embedded in Scripture, with numerous references to hearing and listening to God's voice. Jesus Christ advises us to take heed what and how we hear, warning, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" The resurrected Christ urges His people repeatedly in Revelation to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. God charges us emphatically to hear Him, especially through Jesus Christ, the living Word. Despite this, we are prone to distraction, often resembling Martha, who was busy with many things, rather than Mary, who chose to sit at the Savior's feet and listen. Jesus affirms that Mary's choice to listen to Him is of higher priority and eternal value, promising it will not be taken from her.

Solomon, in his observations, emphasizes the critical importance of listening attentively to God. He warns against the danger of shutting off our hearing, even when the Word of God reaches our ears or eyes and our minds have been opened to grasp it. It is our individual responsibility to hear, consider, and then accept or reject what God communicates. This choice holds significant weight, as it determines our spiritual direction and ultimate destiny. Solomon's concern extends to the distractions of daily life that can pull us away from listening to God. He notes how preoccupation with material wealth or earthly treasures can cause us to choose not to hear Christ's offer of eternal life. Despite these distractions, God stands ready to save us from their grip, urging us to remain attentive to His voice amidst the constant barrage of worldly concerns.

A Turkish proverb teaches that if speaking is silver, then listening is gold. Listening is one half of the communication process. There must be someone speaking and someone listening for communication to actually take place. In most respects, the more important part of the communication process is listening because someone can speak for hours, but if no one is listening, it serves no purpose. Even if someone hears, it is of no value if they are not truly listening. Unfortunately, this vital communication skill is often neglected, as many assume anyone can listen, though this is not entirely true. People often hear but do not listen, tuning out distractions as a habit, which can lead to not really listening when it is necessary. Psychologist Carl Rogers asserts that man's inability to communicate results from his failure to listen effectively, skillfully, and with understanding to another person. Listening with focused attention is becoming a dying skill. Attention spans have shortened significantly over time, influenced by media that delivers information in bite-sized chunks. Psychologists note that the average adult attention span in a classroom setting is roughly 15 to 20 minutes before attention wanders. Internet researchers have found that web users have an attention span of about 7 seconds, requiring immediate engagement to retain interest. This trend extends to other areas like politics, where sound bites have replaced reasoned explanations, further diminishing the capacity for sustained listening. Listening is an important spiritual skill, as vital as any physical skill, and even more so in spiritual life. Just as skillful listening enhances human relationships, it also enhances the relationship with God. God directly commands to listen to His Son, emphasizing the importance of giving utmost attention to Him, for He holds the words of life. Listening to Him is essential, as He is the source of hope, salvation, and authority. Biblical listening goes beyond mere hearing; it involves understanding and responding in obedience. True listening produces changed behavior, which results in spiritual growth, proving that God's Word has taken root. The Hebrew word for hear or listen, "shama," and the Greek word "akouo" both carry meanings beyond simple hearing, extending to listening attentively, understanding, and obeying. These words imply a deeper engagement with what is heard, often leading to action. Jesus emphasizes the importance of listening, stating that those who receive, understand, or obey His word pass from death into life. Listening initiates a process that can lead to eternal life, but it requires a prepared mind to produce understanding and behavioral change. The conversion of Saul to Paul illustrates the power of being forced to listen. God had to strike him blind and impose a three-day fast to make him reconsider his actions and beliefs, ultimately leading to a complete transformation and dedication to God's work. Similarly, in the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus highlights different responses to hearing God's Word. Only the good soil, representing those who hear, understand, and bear fruit, truly listens in the biblical sense. Hearing alone is insufficient; it must lead to understanding and action. Moses equates listening and learning with obedience to God's Law, resulting in reward and life. Not listening, on the other hand, equals rebellion, as seen in the Israelites' refusal to heed God's warning, leading to consequences. Listening to God requires taking His Word whole, without adding or subtracting, and carefully observing all that He instructs. God's fervent desire is that His people truly listen to Him, meaning they live according to His ways, for in doing so, they can receive all that He wishes to give.