An Earful

Proverbs 13:1 (KJV) A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

In comparing translations, we are reminded of the difference between hearing and listening.  In one sense they are the same but the conflict that comes out is that one produces an awareness and the other is simply a sensitivity to sound.

Think of the times where you have become aware of a sound that has been going on for a while.  Recently our heating system stopped working.  The house was getting colder, but still manageable.  There was nothing to freak out about.  The repairman were coming.  Suddenly I was aware that I was hearing the sound of the fan working.  It intruded in my consciousness, and I started listening, and I realize that the heater was on.  Once my attention was gained, I realized a few minutes later than it is stopped again.

The point is that my ears were capable of hearing.  They were working.  They just weren’t connected to my conscious brain.  Think about this in terms of spiritual truth.  We are surrounded by truth.  It appears in different ways and in different formats, but it is available.  Some people see it, some don’t.  The point that Proverbs is getting to is that it makes a difference in our lives if we’re paying attention or not.

So?  What is God trying to say to you?  Are you listening?  Are you not hearing simply because you don’t like with the message is?  Your choice.