32 Bible Verses About Listening (With Commentary)

Listening is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God and with others. It involves not only hearing words but also understanding and responding to them with a heart of humility and obedience.

The Bible provides numerous insights on the importance of listening, encouraging us to be attentive to God’s voice, wise counsel, and the needs of those around us. Let’s explore some of these Bible Verses below.

Bible Verses About Listening

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; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us].”

Commentary: This verse highlights the importance of being attentive listeners, a practice that fosters understanding and reduces conflict. By prioritizing listening over speaking, we cultivate patience and self-control, aligning ourselves with God’s righteousness.

Proverbs 18:13

“He who answers before he hears [the facts]—It is folly and shame to him.”

Commentary: Rushing to respond without fully listening leads to misunderstandings and errors in judgment. This verse calls for patience and thoroughness in communication, emphasizing the wisdom in listening before speaking.

Proverbs 19:20

“Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come.”

Commentary: Wisdom is often a result of heeding advice and learning from others. This verse encourages openness to guidance and correction, which are crucial for personal growth and future success.

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: God invites us to listen to His words for our spiritual vitality. This verse underscores the life-giving power of God’s promises and the importance of turning our ears towards Him.

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: Faith is nurtured through listening to the message of Christ. This verse highlights the transformative power of hearing the Gospel, which is the foundation of our belief and trust in God.

Proverbs 1:5

“The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth].”

Commentary: Wisdom grows from a posture of listening and learning. This verse encourages continual growth in knowledge and discernment through attentive listening and seeking wise counsel.

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: Approaching God with a listening heart is crucial for true worship. This verse warns against hasty and thoughtless offerings, emphasizing the need for reverence and attentiveness in God’s presence.

John 10:27

“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.”

Commentary: Jesus describes His followers as those who listen to His voice and follow Him. This intimate relationship is marked by attentive listening and obedient action, reflecting our identity as His sheep.

Proverbs 2:2

“So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];”

Commentary: Attentive listening is essential for acquiring wisdom and understanding. This verse encourages a diligent and eager pursuit of godly knowledge, emphasizing the importance of an attentive ear and heart.

Matthew 17:5

“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased and delighted! Listen to Him!'”

Commentary: God’s command to listen to Jesus highlights the authority and importance of Christ’s teachings. This verse reminds us of the divine affirmation of Jesus and the need to heed His words.

Proverbs 25:12

“Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and learns.”

Commentary: Receptive listening is likened to precious jewelry, signifying its value. This verse underscores the beauty and worth of being open to correction and wisdom from others.

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 emphasizes the importance of careful listening and application of spiritual truths. This verse encourages diligent attention to His teachings, promising greater understanding and blessings in return.

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: True blessedness comes from not just hearing God’s word, but also obeying it. This verse highlights the importance of responsive listening that leads to faithful action.

Isaiah 30:21

“Your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

Commentary: God’s guidance is often subtle, like a voice behind us. This verse reassures us of His continual direction, encouraging attentive listening to His leading in our daily decisions.

Proverbs 15:31

“The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure) will remain among the wise.”

Commentary: Embracing corrective feedback is a mark of wisdom. This verse highlights the life-giving power of rebuke and the importance of a teachable spirit that listens and learns.

Hebrews 3:15

“While it is said: ‘Today, if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me [in the rebellion in the desert at Meribah].'”

Commentary: Prompt and responsive listening to God’s voice is crucial to avoid hardening of the heart. This verse serves as a warning and an encouragement to remain receptive and obedient to God’s guidance.

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: Samuel’s response exemplifies the posture of a faithful listener. This verse highlights the importance of readiness and willingness to hear and respond to God’s call.

John 8:47

“Whoever is of God and belongs to Him hears [the truth of] God’s words; for this reason you do not hear them: because you are not of God and you are not in fellowship with Him.”

Commentary: Belonging to God is marked by attentiveness to His words. This verse underscores the connection between our spiritual identity and our capacity to hear and respond to God’s truth.

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: Wisdom is demonstrated through humility and openness to advice. This verse contrasts the folly of self-reliance with the prudence of seeking and heeding counsel.

Psalm 34:11

“Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to fear the LORD [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience].”

Commentary: The invitation to listen and learn about reverence for God is crucial for spiritual growth. This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching and learning in developing a deep, obedient relationship with the Lord.

Deuteronomy 30:20

“By loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding closely to Him; for He is your life (your good life, your abundant life, your fulfillment) and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD promised (swore) to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Commentary: Obedience to God’s voice is integral to experiencing His blessings. This verse highlights the life-giving and sustaining power of listening to and following God’s guidance.

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: Wisdom involves accepting and learning from discipline. This verse contrasts the receptiveness of a wise person with the obstinance of a scoffer, emphasizing the value of corrective listening.

1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), And His ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.”

Commentary: God’s attentiveness to our prayers is contingent on our righteousness. This verse reassures us of God’s readiness to listen to the righteous, encouraging a life of integrity and uprightness.

Proverbs 8:34

“Blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts.”

Commentary: Persistent and expectant listening to wisdom brings blessings. This verse encourages a diligent and patient pursuit of wisdom, highlighting the rewards of attentive listening.

Jeremiah 7:23

“But this thing I did command them: ‘Listen [to and obey] My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in [obedience to] all the way which I command you, so that it may be well with you.'”

Commentary: Listening and obeying God’s voice is fundamental to our covenant relationship with Him. This verse underscores the mutual commitment and the blessings that come from obedient listening.

Proverbs 4:20

“My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings.”

Commentary: Attentive listening is crucial for learning and growth. This verse emphasizes the importance of being receptive to wise teachings, fostering an eagerness to learn and apply knowledge.

John 5:24

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message] and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life.”

Commentary: Hearing and believing Jesus’ words leads to eternal life. This verse highlights the transformative power of listening to and accepting Christ’s message, marking the transition from death to life.

Proverbs 23:19

“Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way [of the LORD].”

Commentary: Listening is a pathway to wisdom and righteous living. This verse calls for attentive listening to guidance, encouraging a deliberate and heartfelt pursuit of God’s ways.

Luke 10:39

“She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.”

Commentary: Mary’s example of sitting at Jesus’ feet signifies devoted listening and learning. This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing time with Jesus, attentively absorbing His teachings.

Matthew 7:24

“So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a farsighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock.”

Commentary: True wisdom is demonstrated through listening and applying Jesus’ teachings. This verse emphasizes the stability and security that come from building our lives on the solid foundation of His words.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

“And we also thank God continually for this, that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of [mere] men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its inherent, supernatural power in those of faith].”

Commentary: Receiving and accepting God’s word as divine truth is transformative. This verse acknowledges the power of God’s word in believers’ lives, encouraging a deep, faith-filled reception and application.

What Does the Bible Say About Listening

Listening is one of those things that we all know we should do, but often, we find it hard to actually practice. The Bible, though, has a lot to say about the importance of listening, and it does so in a way that even a child can understand. You see, listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about understanding, paying attention, and being present in the moment.

The Bible teaches us that listening is an act of love. When you listen to someone, you show them that you care about what they are saying and that you value their thoughts and feelings. This is important because everyone wants to feel heard and understood. When we take the time to listen to others, we build stronger relationships and create a sense of community and trust.

Listening also helps us to grow and learn. The Bible encourages us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. This means that we should prioritize listening over talking, especially when we are receiving advice or instruction. By listening carefully, we can gain wisdom and knowledge that will help us make better decisions and live more fulfilling lives.

Moreover, the Bible highlights the importance of listening to God. We are encouraged to be still and quiet so that we can hear His voice. This doesn’t mean we need to wait for a loud, booming voice from the sky; rather, it means being open to the guidance and direction that God provides through our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. When we listen to God, we can find peace, purpose, and direction in our lives.

Listening is also a way to show humility. When we listen to others, we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers and that we can learn from the experiences and perspectives of others. This humility is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it helps us to build deeper, more meaningful relationships.

In conclusion, the Bible’s teachings on listening are clear: it is an essential part of loving others, growing in wisdom, connecting with God, and living a humble, fulfilling life. So, let’s make an effort to be better listeners, to really hear what others are saying, and to be present in our conversations. By doing so, we will be living out the teachings of the Bible in a very practical and meaningful way.