Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the Lord. Proverbs 22:17-19 (NLT)
What are you listening to? Are you listening to the words of the wise, or are you listening to the wisdom of this world?
The above Scripture in the New International version says:
PAY ATTENTION AND TURN YOUR EAR TO THE SAYINGS OF THE WISE.
These days there is so much information everywhere. If you are like me — most days I have information overload! This world is such a noisy place it can be very hard to listen to God, can’t it?
God does not want you to be an ostrich with your heads in the sand. He actually teaches you to watch. (Matthew 24:42) But he wants you to listen to his words, for they are wisdom. He wants you to apply his Word to your heart and to his instruction. It is good and pleasing to God when you keep them in your heart, and always ready on your lips.
How can you listen to words of wisdom, if you do not read the Word of God?
The Word needs to be burned into your heart so that when God’s Spirit stirs you, you can apply it to the situations of your life.
In Proverbs, which is known as the Book of Wisdom, God teaches us: (emphasis added)
1:5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.
1:23 Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.
2:1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.
3:1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.
4:10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.
4:20-21 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart . . .
These are but a few of the Scriptures where God admonishes you to listen to his wisdom, to never forget, to pay attention! When we do, we become wise.
God’s word is truly all you should be listening too. The people of this world truly have no wisdom. Their life is but a breathe. God’s Word is eternal.
I encourage you today to listen to your heart, putting God’s word into practice in your everyday life. Let God teach you, – yes, you- so you will trust in the Lord!
Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found. Psalm 119:33-35