by Listening is a crucial part of communication and building relationships. God calls us to listen not only to Him but also to others, in order to live in harmony and love.
The Bible is rich with guidance on how we should pay attention to others with compassion and wisdom. Below are Bible verses that speak on the importance of listening.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Choices
Bible Verses About Listening to Others
Proverbs 18:13
“He who answers before he hears [the facts]—It is folly and shame to him.”
Commentary: This verse highlights the importance of listening carefully before speaking. Often, we may rush to give our opinions or advice without fully understanding the situation. The verse warns that responding prematurely can lead to foolishness and embarrassment. Listening ensures that we have all the facts before making judgments or offering solutions.
James 1:19
“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
Commentary: James encourages believers to develop the habit of being good listeners, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Listening allows us to gain perspective and respond with wisdom. By prioritizing listening over speaking, we avoid misunderstandings and emotional reactions that can lead to conflict.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, but a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.”
Commentary: This verse draws a sharp contrast between arrogance and wisdom. A person who only listens to themselves is likely to make poor decisions, while a wise person seeks counsel from others. This humility in listening to advice leads to better judgment and more successful outcomes in life.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come.”
Commentary: The call here is to receive advice and correction with an open heart. Wisdom isn’t innate but is cultivated through learning from others. This verse teaches that by listening and accepting guidance, we are setting ourselves up for wisdom and success in the future.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother.”
Commentary: Jesus teaches about reconciliation and the importance of addressing conflicts privately. When someone listens to us in such a conversation, it can lead to restoration and healing of relationships. The ability to listen and receive correction is essential for maintaining peace and unity.
Proverbs 1:5
“The wise will hear and increase their learning, and the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel.”
Commentary: Wisdom is portrayed as something that grows through active listening and learning. The verse emphasizes that even the wise can always learn more by listening to others. It reminds us that no matter how much we know, we should always remain open to receiving new insights.
Ecclesiastes 5:1
“Guard your steps and focus on what you are doing as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the careless or irreverent sacrifice of fools; for they are too ignorant to know they are doing evil.”
Commentary: The writer of Ecclesiastes urges reverence in God’s presence, with a specific focus on listening. Too often, people may approach God with empty rituals rather than a heart ready to hear from Him. This verse reminds us that listening in God’s house, whether to His word or His people, is more valuable than mindless offerings.
Luke 8:18
“So be careful how you listen; for whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a longing for truth], even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”
Commentary: Jesus warns about how we listen, particularly to His teachings. Those who listen with an open and teachable heart will receive more wisdom, while those who refuse to listen may lose even the little understanding they have. Listening well to others is part of cultivating that teachable heart.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare, as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.”
Commentary: This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting our spiritual leaders. They are tasked with guiding and caring for our souls, and when we listen to them with a cooperative spirit, it brings joy to them and benefits us spiritually. Disregarding their counsel, however, can hinder our spiritual growth.
John 10:27
“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.”
Commentary: In this verse, Jesus describes the intimate relationship between Himself and His followers. His “sheep” listen to His voice and respond by following Him. Just as we are called to listen to Christ, we must also listen attentively to one another, reflecting His love and care in our relationships.
Proverbs 15:31
“The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure) will remain among the wise.”
Commentary: This verse encourages us to value correction, as it brings life and wisdom. Listening to rebuke isn’t easy, but it is a key part of growing in wisdom. By being open to criticism, we remain among the wise and avoid the pitfalls of stubbornness and pride.
Isaiah 50:4
“The Lord God has given Me [His Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught], that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].”
Commentary: Here, Isaiah speaks prophetically of the servant of the Lord, who listens carefully to God and speaks words of comfort to the weary. We too are called to listen to God’s voice and to each other, offering words that build up and encourage those who are struggling.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds and accepts [and is the result of] his father’s discipline and instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to reprimand and does not learn from his errors.”
Commentary: This verse contrasts the wise and the foolish in their response to discipline. A wise person listens and learns from correction, while a scoffer refuses to listen and remains trapped in their mistakes. Listening is key to personal growth and avoiding repeated errors.
1 Samuel 3:10
“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the previous times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’
Commentary: In this passage, the young Samuel is learning to listen to God’s voice. His response, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening,’ models the attitude we should have not only towards God but towards others as well. A posture of readiness to listen is essential for hearing God and building strong relationships.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Doing The Right Thing
Proverbs 15:22
“Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they are established and succeed.”
Commentary: This proverb emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from others. Listening to a range of perspectives ensures that plans are well-thought-out and more likely to succeed. Going it alone without seeking counsel can lead to failure and frustration.
Psalm 85:8
“I will hear [with expectant hope] what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones—but let them not turn again to folly.”
Commentary: The psalmist expresses a desire to listen carefully to what God will say, expecting words of peace. This verse reminds us that listening to God—and to others with godly wisdom—brings peace, but we must also act on what we hear to avoid falling back into foolish ways.
Mark 4:24
“Then He said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom], it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond]—and more will be given to you besides.'”
Commentary: Jesus teaches that the more we listen and apply what we hear, the more wisdom we will gain. Listening is not a passive activity, but one that should lead to growth and greater understanding. We must be intentional about how we listen, whether to God or others, in order to grow spiritually and relationally.
Proverbs 20:12
“The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them.”
Commentary: This verse acknowledges that both our ability to hear and see are gifts from God. Just as He has given us physical ears to hear, He also desires that we use them wisely—to listen to His voice and to the needs and concerns of others. Listening is part of stewarding the gifts God has given us.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with an attitude of humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Commentary: In these verses, Paul encourages humility and selflessness in how we relate to others. Listening well requires putting others before ourselves and paying attention to their needs and concerns. It is through listening that we can truly act in love and care for others as Christ commands.
Acts 15:12
“All the people remained silent, and they listened attentively to Barnabas and Paul as they described all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.”
Commentary: The early church set an example of attentiveness and respect when listening to Barnabas and Paul share their testimony. In community, listening to the stories and experiences of others builds faith and strengthens relationships. It shows respect for the work God is doing in the lives of others.
Romans 10:17
“So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.”
Commentary: Paul emphasizes the importance of listening in building faith. Listening to the word of God, especially the message of Christ, is essential for our faith to grow. In the same way, listening to one another’s faith stories and testimonies encourages us in our walk with God.
Proverbs 22:17
“Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.”
Commentary: The writer of Proverbs urges us to listen to wisdom and apply it. Wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about putting it into practice. Listening well leads to understanding, and understanding leads to right action. It is a call to be intentional about how we listen and learn.
Exodus 18:24
“So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything that he had said.”
Commentary: This verse illustrates the humility of Moses in listening to his father-in-law’s advice. Even though Moses was a leader chosen by God, he still recognized the value of wise counsel from others. Listening to advice is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom and humility, as demonstrated by Moses.
Deuteronomy 5:1
“Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: ‘Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them carefully.'”
Commentary: Moses calls the people of Israel to listen carefully to God’s commands, not just for the sake of hearing but for the purpose of obeying. Listening to God’s word requires active engagement and is meant to shape how we live. Similarly, we are called to listen to others with the intention of acting in ways that reflect love and understanding.
Luke 11:28
“But He said, ‘On the contrary, blessed [happy, favored by God] are those who hear the word of God and continually observe it.’
Commentary: Jesus emphasizes that true blessing comes from not only hearing God’s word but also obeying it. In the same way, listening to others should lead to action—whether it’s offering help, giving encouragement, or seeking reconciliation. Listening is the first step, but how we respond is equally important.
Psalm 141:5
“Let the righteous [thoughtfully] strike me—it is a kindness; and let him rebuke me—it is oil for the head; my head will not refuse it, for still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.”
Commentary: The psalmist recognizes the value of being corrected by the righteous. Listening to rebuke or correction is framed as an act of kindness, helping us to grow in righteousness. Just as we should welcome correction from others, we should also strive to be gracious listeners, accepting input that will lead to our spiritual growth.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
“But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good.”
Commentary: This verse encourages discernment in our listening. While we should be open to hearing different perspectives, we are also called to test what we hear against God’s truth. Listening involves not just hearing words but evaluating them carefully and holding onto what is good and true.
Job 34:16
“But if you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words.”
Commentary: In the book of Job, listening is connected with understanding. Elihu calls Job and his friends to listen with discernment. True listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about seeking to understand. This applies both in our relationships with God and with others. Listening well leads to deeper understanding and connection.
Proverbs 21:13
“Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poor will cry out himself and not be answered.”
Commentary: This verse gives a strong warning against ignoring the needs of the poor. Listening to the cries of those in need is part of living a life of compassion and justice. If we fail to listen and respond to others, we may find ourselves in need one day and not receive help. It highlights the mutual responsibility we have to listen and care for one another.
Isaiah 55:3
“Incline your ear [to listen] and come to Me; hear, so that your soul may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies [promised and shown] to David.”
Commentary: This verse is an invitation from God to listen to Him and receive life. Listening to God is essential for spiritual vitality, and He promises to respond with grace and mercy when we do. This passage reminds us that listening to God and to others leads to life and flourishing, as we experience the fullness of His covenant promises.
Proverbs 23:19
“Listen, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way [of the Lord].”
Commentary: Here, listening is connected with wisdom and directing one’s heart towards God’s ways. The verse encourages a posture of attentive listening, not only with our ears but with our hearts. Listening with a wise and discerning heart helps us to walk in the ways of the Lord, fostering spiritual growth and righteousness.
Jeremiah 26:5
“Listen to and heed My word which I have spoken to you repeatedly by My servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you, sending them again and again, but you have not listened and obeyed.”
Commentary: God calls out His people for their failure to listen to His prophets. Listening to God’s word requires action and obedience. Just as the people of Israel were warned, we too must be careful to listen to those who speak truth into our lives, whether it’s God’s word or the counsel of trusted friends and leaders.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Trust in Relationships
What Does the Bible Say About Listening to Others
Listening to others is very important, and the Bible teaches us that it is a good thing to do because it shows love and respect for those around us. When we take the time to listen to someone, we are showing them that their thoughts and feelings matter, and this can help build strong relationships based on trust and understanding.
Listening is not just about hearing the words someone says; it is also about paying attention to their feelings and trying to understand where they are coming from. Sometimes, people just want someone to hear them out without jumping in with advice or opinions right away, and when we practice listening, we create a safe space where they can express themselves freely.
In our busy lives, it is easy to get caught up in our own thoughts and problems, but taking a moment to really listen can make a big difference in someone’s day. When we listen well, we often learn something new and gain insights that we might not have considered before. This openness to understanding others can help us become more compassionate and caring individuals. Additionally, listening is not just about being quiet while someone else speaks; it involves asking questions and showing that we are engaged and interested in what they are saying.
Moreover, listening can lead to better communication in our relationships, whether they are with family, friends, or colleagues, and it can help resolve misunderstandings before they turn into bigger problems. It teaches us patience and helps us become better friends, partners, and community members. In a world where everyone is trying to be heard, taking the time to listen is a powerful way to demonstrate our love for one another, and it reminds us that every person has their own unique story and experiences worth sharing.
So, let us remember that when we listen to others with an open heart and mind, we not only honor them but also grow in our own understanding and wisdom, creating a more loving and supportive environment for everyone around us.