Read
–11–
12Listen to instruction
and do your best to learn.
Reflect
A proverb, Cervantes said, is a short sentence based on long experience. This verse certainly fits. It commands our attention. But listening today is a declining art. So we need to be reminded to practice this vital skill.
Politicians have their talking points. They deploy memorized phrases for almost any question. The answers are pre-packaged. Who needs to actually listen to the question? This inattention can be costly. It can harm the person politically. Or result in equally harmful poor decisions in policy and law.
Teenage distraction is a proverbial problem. In our increasingly digital-oral culture we are inundated with messages. Interestingly this guide book for young Israelites gives solid advice that still makes sense. We all need to practice the skill of careful hearing.
Have you ever seen the Listen Bird painted in a back alley? Graffiti artists have latched on to this visual meme, duplicating it in a variety of forms. It consists of the silhouette of a blackbird. It is speaking a single commanding word – Listen! As a social-political commentary it works. But listening is even more important as a spiritual practice of wisdom.
Jesus knew the value of attentive listening and reflection. One of his favorite openers was, “You have heard it said, but I say . . .” Throughout his life he listened carefully. As a child at home or a teenager in the temple he listened and learned. The gospel (Luke 2:52) notes that Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people. The primary source of his information was God’s word. Jesus knew Moses’ sermons in Deuteronomy. He quoted the prophets and reflected on the teaching style of Psalms and Proverbs. He was diligent in listening and learning. And we should be too.
Respond
Lord, open our ears to hear you speak. In the give and take of daily life help us pause and hear your still small voice. Give us humility to receive the wisdom of these sages, and the courage to act upon it. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
John Wood
Dr. Wood is Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at The King's University and Dean of the Natural Sciences Faculty. His research is on urban ecology, campus sustainability and food insects. John was born in Japan, grew up on a clear-cut in western Washington State and attended North Park University in Chicago. He has written and spoken widely on caring for creation to church and campus groups. His recent publications include: How Then Shall We Eat? Insect-Eating Attitudes and Sustainable Foodways; Stewarding the gift of land: Christian campuses as land management models; and Sustainable Missions: Ethical Principles for Holistic Practice in a Broken World.