Listening is a vital aspect of communication and relationship-building, and the Bible places a strong emphasis on the importance of listening to others. Whether it’s listening to the wisdom of elders, the concerns of a friend, or the guidance of God’s Word, listening well is a sign of humility, respect, and love. The following verses encourage us to be attentive, to understand before speaking, and to value the perspectives and voices of others. Here are 30 Bible verses about listening to others, each with a brief commentary.
1. James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
James emphasizes the importance of listening over speaking. It teaches that by being quick to listen and slow to speak, we can better understand others, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and maintain peace in our relationships.
2. Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”
This proverb warns against speaking before listening fully. It teaches that failing to listen before responding can lead to misunderstandings and foolish decisions, emphasizing the value of hearing others out completely.
3. Proverbs 12:15
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
This proverb contrasts the attitude of fools with the wise. It teaches that wisdom involves listening to the advice and perspectives of others, rather than assuming one’s own way is always right.
4. Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
This verse highlights the benefits of listening to advice. It teaches that listening to the counsel of others and accepting correction leads to wisdom and personal growth, shaping us into better individuals.
5. Proverbs 15:31
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of listening to correction. It teaches that those who are willing to listen to constructive feedback and make necessary changes will gain wisdom and be respected by others.
6. Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Jesus instructs on how to address conflicts. It teaches that listening plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts and restoring relationships, as it allows for understanding and reconciliation between parties.
7. Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
This proverb encourages continuous learning through listening. It teaches that even the wise can grow in wisdom by being attentive to the insights and guidance of others, showing that learning is a lifelong process.
8. Isaiah 55:3
“Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.”
God invites His people to listen to His words. It teaches that listening to God and His promises is life-giving, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and the blessings of His covenant.
9. Proverbs 13:10
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
This proverb links listening to the avoidance of strife. It teaches that pride often leads to conflict, while wisdom and peace come from being open to the advice and perspectives of others.
10. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Paul encourages humility and attentiveness to others. It teaches that true listening involves valuing others and their needs, putting aside selfish ambitions to truly hear and understand those around us.
11. Proverbs 18:2
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
This proverb warns against the folly of ignoring others’ perspectives. It teaches that a foolish person prefers to speak rather than listen, while wisdom involves seeking to understand others before expressing one’s own views.
12. Proverbs 17:27-28
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
These verses highlight the wisdom in listening quietly. It teaches that restraint in speech and attentive listening can lead others to perceive us as wise, even if we are not naturally knowledgeable.
13. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
The Teacher advises humility in God’s presence. It teaches that we should approach God and others with a listening heart rather than rushing to speak, recognizing the importance of reverence and understanding.
14. Proverbs 25:12
“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.”
This proverb compares wise correction to precious jewelry. It teaches that when we listen to wise counsel and correction, it is as valuable and beautiful as fine gold, enhancing our character and wisdom.
15. James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James describes the qualities of heavenly wisdom. It teaches that true wisdom, which includes being considerate and submissive, involves listening carefully to others with a heart full of mercy and sincerity.
16. Colossians 3:16
“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.”
Paul encourages the sharing of Christ’s message. It teaches that listening to and sharing the wisdom of Christ with one another enriches our community and strengthens our faith.
17. Luke 10:39
“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.”
Mary’s example of sitting and listening to Jesus highlights the value of attentive listening. It teaches that prioritizing listening, especially to the words of Jesus, is a sign of devotion and wisdom.
18. Psalm 116:1-2
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”
The psalmist praises God for listening. It teaches that just as God listens to us with compassion and attention, we should also be attentive and responsive listeners to those who seek our understanding and support.
19. Matthew 7:24
“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.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of not just hearing, but also acting on His words. It teaches that listening is more than just hearing; it involves understanding and applying what we hear to build a strong foundation in life.
20. Proverbs 4:20-21
“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.”
This verse urges attentiveness to wisdom. It teaches that listening carefully to wisdom and keeping it in our hearts is crucial for living a life that honors God and benefits ourselves and others.
21. John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Jesus describes the relationship between Him and His followers. It teaches that true followers of Christ listen to His voice, recognizing and responding to His guidance with obedience and trust.
22. Proverbs 16:20
“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.”
This proverb links listening to instruction with prosperity. It teaches that those who listen carefully to guidance and wisdom are more likely to succeed and receive God’s blessings in their lives.
23. Exodus 18:24
“Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.”
Moses demonstrates the importance of listening to wise counsel. It teaches that even great leaders benefit from listening to others, as Moses did when he heeded his father-in-law Jethro’s advice, leading to better management of his responsibilities.
24. Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
This proverb highlights the value of seeking and listening to advice. It teaches that listening to the counsel of others can lead to success, while ignoring advice can result in failure.
25. Isaiah 1:19
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”
God promises blessings for those who listen and obey. It teaches that listening to God’s commands and being obedient brings blessings and prosperity, as we align our lives with His will.
26. Proverbs 2:2
“Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding.”
This proverb encourages the pursuit of wisdom through listening. It teaches that gaining wisdom requires a deliberate effort to listen and seek understanding, valuing the knowledge and insights others can offer.
27. 1 Kings 3:9
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Solomon asks God for a listening heart. It teaches that true wisdom and effective leadership come from a heart that listens and discerns, seeking to understand and judge rightly in all situations.
28. Proverbs 5:1-2
“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to wisdom for a life of discretion. It teaches that by listening to and internalizing wise counsel, we can live with discernment and preserve valuable knowledge.
29. Ecclesiastes 7:5
“It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.”
This verse contrasts the value of wise correction with foolish praise. It teaches that listening to constructive criticism from a wise person is far more beneficial than indulging in empty flattery from fools.
30. Proverbs 8:34
“Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”
Wisdom speaks of the blessings of listening attentively. It teaches that those who eagerly listen and seek wisdom will find blessings, as they live in alignment with God’s truth and principles.
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