Topical Bible: The Ear: should Hear and Obey Reproof

◄ The Ear: should Hear and Obey Reproof ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the ear is often symbolically associated with the ability to listen, understand, and respond to divine instruction and correction. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of not only hearing but also obeying reproof, which is a form of correction or admonition intended to guide individuals back to righteousness.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of hearing and obeying reproof is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Proverbs, in particular, underscores the value of listening to correction as a path to wisdom and life. Proverbs 15:31 states, "He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise." This verse highlights the transformative power of accepting correction, suggesting that it leads to wisdom and a deeper understanding of God's will.

Similarly, Proverbs 12:1 declares, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Here, the ear that is open to reproof is equated with a love for knowledge and an acknowledgment of one's need for growth and improvement.

Spiritual Significance

In the spiritual context, the ear represents the readiness and willingness to receive God's word and the teachings of Christ. Jesus often used the phrase, "He who has ears, let him hear," as seen in Matthew 11:15 , to call attention to the importance of truly listening and understanding His message. This call to hear is not merely about auditory perception but involves a deeper, spiritual comprehension that leads to action.

The New Testament further emphasizes the necessity of hearing and obeying reproof through the teachings of the apostles. James 1:22 admonishes believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This passage reinforces the idea that hearing God's word must be accompanied by obedience, as mere hearing without action is self-deceptive and unfruitful.

Moral and Ethical Implications

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the ear that hears and obeys reproof is indicative of humility and a teachable spirit. It reflects an individual's openness to change and a commitment to align one's life with God's standards. Proverbs 13:18 warns, "Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored." This verse suggests that ignoring reproof leads to negative consequences, while accepting it brings honor and prosperity.

The ear's role in hearing and obeying reproof is also linked to the concept of accountability within the Christian community. Believers are encouraged to admonish one another in love, as seen in Colossians 3:16 : "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom." This communal aspect of reproof serves to build up the body of Christ and foster spiritual growth among its members.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the ear as a symbol of receptivity to reproof underscores the importance of listening and responding to God's corrective guidance. Through the wisdom of Proverbs and the teachings of the New Testament, believers are called to cultivate an ear that not only hears but also obeys, leading to a life of wisdom, honor, and spiritual maturity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:31
The ear that hears the reproof of life stays among the wise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 25:12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover on an obedient ear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Divine Locutions. Discussions on that Subject.
... than they would be if they were heard by the ear. ... I would not, as I said before,
[8] hear them, I ... to myself: Who is He, that all my faculties should thus obey ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxv divine locutions discussions.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... family, the next news one might think we should hear, would be ... man, whom he seems
to love so, should not have ... Methinks I see them all eye, all ear, and eagerly ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... There is a mark on the ear which identifies every saint ... Christ's sheep hear his voice
obediently ... in which a wife stands to her husband, that she should study his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... But here the ear alone could hear of the persecution of ... Yet they did not desire Moses,
that he should become a god to them; because Moses could hear and see ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

Approaching Doom
... fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened ... nations of earth"until
God's purpose should have been ... be that the house of Judah will hear all the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 35 approaching doom.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 15, "If Thy Brother Sin ...
... 9. Let us then so give ear to these two precepts ... Hear then what the Apostle saith;
"Marriage is honourable in ... So then, my Brethren, if I should wish to reprove ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxii on the words.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... He, who hath an ear, let him hear what the ... They who had not fallen into those depths
of Satan, and should continue faithful to the end, were to have "power ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... and Elias, [998]362; command of, to obey rulers, though ... Ear, formation of,
[1262]354; sin may enter by ... not soon effaced, [1410]383-84; we should hear with, ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Unsound Spiritual Trading
... Yes, a sound comes to my ear of men in the church, apparently ... in the seats at certain
times in the week, and should sit there and patiently hear the din ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/unsound spiritual trading.htm

1 Cor. I. 4, 5
... means, "into the fellowship of His Son?" Hear him declaring ... in store, which eye hath
not seen, nor ear heard; and ... What then, if a king should command one to do ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ii 1 cor i.htm