Turn your ear to my words
Proverbs 4:20-21 - Every minute spent studying the Bible, reading commentaries and devotionals, or listening to sermons is a minute in which the world cannot tempt you to sin.
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“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;”
Proverbs 4:20-21 NIV
Another of Solomon’s proverbs, this time dealing with paying close attention to the words of wisdom found in Scripture. He begins by telling the reader — “my son” — to “pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.” The Hebrew word used here is קָשַׁב, qāšaḇ, meaning “give attention to, be attentive, incline ears to”. Verse 20 is more than just saying “listen to me”; it is demanding the attention of the reader as it then uses the Hebrew phrase הַט־אָזְנֶךָ, ōzen nāṭâ, which more clearly commands the reader to “incline your ear”.
Think of someone who is hard of hearing (like myself) turning and directing an ear toward another who is speaking. It’s a deliberate and conscious movement designed not only to hear the speaker with more clarity, but to demonstrate that you are truly listening. Although it isn’t written as an inquiry, this verse is actually asking us a few questions: Are we hearing God’s Word clearly? Are we understanding what we hear? Are we doing what those words tell us?
Next, Solomon moves on in verse 21 to the eyes and heart — “Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart”. 17th century minister and commentator Matthew Henry, cited on Precept Austin, said this about verse 21:
We must retain them carefully; we must lay them before us as our rule: “Let them not depart from thy eyes; view them, review them, and in every thing aim to conform to them.” We must lodge them within us, as a commanding principle, the influences of which are diffused throughout the whole man: “Keep them in the midst of thy heart, as things dear to thee, and which thou art afraid of losing.” Let the word of God be written in the heart, and that which is written there will remain.
Proverbs 4:20 - 27 are almost an anatomical textbook, mentioning parts of the human body at least 11 times. The ear, flesh, mouth, lips and eyelids are mentioned once each, while the eyes, feet, and heart are each listed two times. What was Solomon’s intent here? He wanted to demonstrate how every part of our human bodies should be dedicated to wisdom and to God’s honor.
Going back to verse 21, what are some ways to keep God’s word constantly in your sight and keep them within your heart? Spending part of your day studying the Bible keeps the Word before your eyes, and memorizing verses (something I admit I’m horrible at) inscribes the Words of God in your brain or keeps “them within your heart.”
You’re reading our daily devotionals (hopefully every time it appears in your email inbox), and that’s another way of keeping God’s word in your sight. Every minute spent studying the Bible, reading commentaries and devotionals, or listening to sermons is a minute in which the world cannot tempt you to sin.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord, I pray that my faith becomes deeper with each passing day, and that I am filled with a hunger for righteousness and a thirst for understanding. I ask that your Spirit inflames my passion for Your Word, and that I daily seek to gain new insights into Your character and Your plans for me. This proverb assures me that by paying close attention to Your Words, my mind is filled with the wisdom to live life in the manner You want me to live it. May I always remain attentive to Your voice of wisdom and peace. AMEN.