As you listen to me, my beloved child, you will grow in wisdom and your heart will be drawn into understanding, which will empower you to make right decisions. Proverbs 23:19
The word ‘listen’ is referenced 331 times and ‘hear’ is referenced 347 times in the NIV. It's pretty important. And this isn't just a quick check in listen then forget and carry on with your day. To learn wisdom requires active listening and a conscious effort to hear, understand and remember what is being said. To grow in wisdom requires obedience. It requires spending time with the Lord and giving Him your undivided attention.
We make time for the friends we treasure and value, we listen to their stories and latest news whether its a walk, coffee catch up or dinner date, but are we making time for our closest friend of all?
But there is one loving friend who is joined to your heart closer than any other! Proverbs 18:24
Do you make time for your closest friend, your creator? God knows more about you and more about this world than anyone else. Isn't it important to put time aside to listen to your wise friend and Heavenly Father?
It's especially important in these uncertain times that we listen and take instruction from Him. He communicates His instruction through scripture, through the Holy Spirit, through people and events in our lives. It's imperative that we discern the voice of God, not the false teachers and influences of this world which can so easily lead us off track.
Growing in wisdom means setting time aside to be in His presence - read scripture, meditate on the words, take notes, research and ask questions, for what He shares with us will ensure we are guided on the right path.
God can deliver words of wisdom into our hearts, but it is up to us to take those words onboard and put them into action. You can't learn without first being an obedient student.. Jesus learned through obedience and so can we 🦋
