Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not ignore your mother’s teaching;
For they are a graceful wreath for your head and necklaces for your neck.
My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but have your heart comply with my commandments;
Listen, my sons, to the instruction of a father, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,
For I give you good teaching; do not abandon my instruction.
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding,
So that you may maintain discretion and your lips may comply with knowledge.
The book of Proverbs begins with a plea for the reader to listen to his words of wisdom. Chapter 3 urges the reader to not only to remember his teaching, but to take them to heart. To “listen” in this sense means not only to hear the audibly, but to give careful attention to, to obey, to give special “weight” to the words that are about to be spoken.
Why do you think there was such an impassioned plea to listen? Several reasons:
- The speaker loves the listener (as a father loves his son)
- The speaker has the best interest of the son in mind
- The speaker has knowledge and understanding of the things that will affect the life of the listener
- The things the speaker shares affect every area of life
Is God “speaking” to you? Or, has He spoken to you about decisions you are about to make, actions you are about to take, attitudes in your heart, or just more about Him?
Be intentional in your listening. You can trust the intent and character of the Speaker.
100 Days To A Better Life Through Proverbs 
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