Proverbs 8:32-36 32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
The phrase “I’m all ears” usually means that someone has your complete attention. Intentionally listening and just hearing are completely different. Those who grow up hearing God’s Word on a regular, if not daily basis, run the risk of treating it like background noise. We hear God’s Word, but be don’t really listen to it. In the last four verses of Proverbs 8 Wisdom says “listen to me . . . on purpose and your life will be blessed.”
In Proverbs 8 we have a brief autobiography of Wisdom. Wisdom begins by telling us a little about herself: she describes her goals (her services are available to all who want it v. 1-11), her character (her likes and friendships v. 12-21), and her age and “interests” (v. 22-31).
The main point of Wisdom’s brief “bio” is found in the last four verses. If you will listen to Wisdom on purpose, life will become vibrant (alive in vivid color) and God will grant you delight and pleasure. Just hearing God’s Word does not bring blessing any more than sleeping on a text book prepares you for a quiz. “Hearing, watching, and waiting” describe “being all ears” when God speaks. Life and favor of the Lord are the promised results of intentionally listening to Wisdom.
Don’t just hear God’s Word – Listen on purpose!