BLESSED ARE THOSE THAT LISTEN

Prov. 8:32-35 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

These verses speak clearly of the importance of seeking God for wisdom and diligently searching for truth. Near the middle of the passage, we see the words, “Blessed is the man that heareth me.” There are certain blessings reserved for those who learn to listen to God. There is such a simple, yet precious truth contained in these words and others like them in the Bible. God wants to teach us. He wants to show us His ways. He wants us to learn His wisdom. God does not want us to be without direction, but we must learn to listen. God beckons to the reader to hearken. “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.” Why would anyone refuse God’s teaching? There are probably many reasons. Sometimes we have our schedules so full that we do not give God the time that is necessary to listen. Other times, our minds are so crowded with the din of other things and we are so distracted that God’s Word is not heard. Then, there are those who do not always want to hear and heed His Word because it is not in agreement with their preferences or opinions. Nevertheless, there are blessings to be enjoyed by those who listen. We learn from the sacred Scriptures that it was Solomon’s primary request for wisdom, and we see the priority he placed on it, which caused God to bless him with many things other than what he asked. This promise tells us that THE BLESSED MAN will be “watching daily” at the gates and doors of wisdom. Diligence and faithfulness are implied in this demand. The desire to listen for God’s direction is a priority that takes precedence at all seasons. Many are motivated to seek God’s wisdom in times of great distress or trouble, but God wants us to “hearken” to Him at all times. One of the most productive habits one will ever develop is spending time every day reading God’s Word and looking for wisdom. God has spoken to us and will continue to speak to us through His Word. Our Master promises to bless those who sincerely seek Him on a daily basis.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church