Swift To Hear Or

Dull Of Hearing

 

 

If there ever was a time to have an ear to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying, it is now.
 

 

James 1:19 says - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." 

 

In this particular Scripture, the Apostle James gives us three basic instructions. Before going further, we must remember the context of this verse. James had been dealing with the issues of trials and temptations. These are three very important admonitions to heed - especially when undergoing intense testing.

 

For the purpose of this message, we would like to examine the first admonition.
 

"Let every man be swift to hear..." - In other words, let every man be quick, speedy, prompt, and ready to comprehend, understand, attend to, and consider what is being said.

 

If there ever was a time to have ears to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying, it certainly is at a time of great trials. We must be sure to block out every distracting voice and focus on hearing - "Thus saith the Lord..." The devil will be sure to add his two-cents at this time.

 

We must -

...fight through all the lies of Satan, the counsel of the ungodly, the well-meaning advice of family, etc. and listen intensely to hear what God is saying at this time.

...be ready to hear and not so eager to speak

...have the disposition that makes us willing to learn

...be willing to receive Truth even if it is contrary to what we expect, want to hear, or don't like happening at the time

...not have any preconceived ideas as to why we are undergoing troubles

...remember that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts

...not try to imagine or figure out all that He is doing in our lives.

 

It is best that we "be swift to hear" and let Him do the talking.
 

                                                                                                                

The ancients had a few sayings that are worth noting -

 

"Men have two ears, and but one tongue, that they should hear more than speak."
 

"The ears are always open, ever ready to receive instruction, but the tongue is surrounded with a double row of teeth, to hedge it in, and to keep it within proper bounds."
 

"Be swift to hear, and with deep consideration give answer."

                                                                                                                      

The Holy Scriptures also give us such wonderful counsel regarding being "swift to hear" -

                                                                                                                

Proverbs 15:31 says - "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."

Ecclesiastes 5:1 says - "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil."  

Proverbs 8:34 adds - "Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of my doors."

 

What is so necessary while enduring tests and trials is a "hearing ear."

There is only one way to get it.

The Word of God tells us how -

 

Proverbs 20:12 says - "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them."

Deuteronomy 29:4 adds - "Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day."

 

The "hearing ear" comes from the Lord. While we are experiencing trials(or at any time for that matter), we need to earnestly seek Him for this extremely valuable gift. It will cause us to hear with attention all that He is speaking at the time and help us to respond in obedience to His commands.
                                                                                                

The Apostle James exhorted us to be "swift to hear."

The opposite condition would be "dull of hearing" as mentioned in Hebrews 5:11 and Matthew 13:15.

                                                                                                                                      

Those who are "dull of hearing" consider what is being said - but with great difficulty. They are slow, sluggish, and lazy in perceiving it all.
                                                                                                                                                                                                             

It would behoove us to heed the Apostle James' admonition to be "swift to hear" at all times - but especially during the times of great tribulation and temptation. 

How we need to ask God to give us a "hearing ear" - an ear to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to us.

If we have been "dull of hearing," may we repent of any sin that would cause our hearts to be hardened and our ears to be shut to His voice.
                                                                                                                                      

If there ever was a time to have an ear to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying, it is now.
 

 

Lord, make us "swift to hear,"

and may we never be "dull of hearing."
 

                                                                                                                                              

May God Bless His Word