PODCAST

Listening and Seeking

July 2nd, 2023

Proverbs 1:1-7

King Solomon is said to have been one of the wisest persons to ever live.

We don’t know much about Solomon’s educational background. However, we can see what he valued in education. Solomon was not talking about book knowledge. Especially as a king of Israel, Solomon learned by reading the Scriptures. There was no other source of knowledge.

There are two key actions in this verse to help us focus on how to be wise. First, we need to listen. Solomon says that if we listen, we will add to what we know. Listen to whom? God. How? By reading the Bible as well as seeking the Holy Spirit, who opens our eyes to the truth. Second, even if we are already knowledgeable on spiritual issues, we need to seek guidance from wise counsel outside our situation—someone who is a believer and has an ear toward listening to the Holy Spirit. Listening to the Spirit is an inward action. Seeking counsel is outward. Both are crucial to growing in wisdom.

Author: Carol Rittenhouse