Lessons from Proverbs 4

"My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. (21) Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; (22) for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh."                     Proverbs 4:20-22.  NKJV

One of the most important things during a counselling session, is for the counsellor to show they are actually listening properly. Looking out of the window or checking the time on a watch, just shows the person that they are not being listened to properly. Good attending skills are extremely important.

In the same way, we need to give attention to God's Word. We can so easily be distracted. In church, some may be more concerned that someone has sat in their regular seat than what is being taught. It is also, so easy to drift off, especially when there is a pressing schedule of things to be done at home. We need to focus on what is being said and what is happening. It is the same at church or at home, distractions happen.

Solomon mentions the words, 'Incline your ear.' Again, this is ensuring that we are listening properly. To incline the ear, means to slightly lean forward to show that people have your attention - that you're taking notice. This helps us to focus more and again, shows the listener that you are actually listening. You often see this on the TV, where a news reporter leans forward as they speak to who they're interviewing. 

We need God's Word! It's as important to our spiritual well-being as food and drink are to our physical bodies. Without it, we will die. God's Word contains power - power to change situations, to prosper us and to heal our bodies. Note in v23 that Solomon says, 'for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.' God's Words are vitally important.
God gives us many promises in the bible but if we don't read it, we won't be able to find the relevant verses we need to confess and stand on, when we need them. The Word of God gives us life; it changes our outlook on things. It refreshes, empowers and edifies us. Life in this world can be so negative and violent. Politicians say one thing and then do another. It can be so daunting and unreliable. But God's Word is 100% reliable!

Let us all learn the art of giving attention to what God is telling us in His Word. One moment, you can be in a complete quandary, the next, POW - something wonderful has happened. What is it? God has given life to His Word and health to our flesh. However, it only comes by, 'Inclining the ear'.

Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard

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