The Ear: should Seek Knowledge
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In the biblical context, the ear is often symbolically associated with the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of listening as a means to acquire knowledge and discernment, which are highly valued in the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently underscores the significance of using one's ears to seek and gain knowledge. Proverbs 18:15 states, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out." This verse highlights the proactive role of the ear in the pursuit of wisdom, suggesting that listening is an active endeavor that requires intention and effort.

In the book of Proverbs, the ear is often linked with wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 23:12 advises, "Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." Here, the ear is portrayed as a gateway to understanding, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to teachings and guidance.

The Role of Listening in Spiritual Growth

Listening is a crucial component of spiritual growth and maturity. James 1:19 instructs believers, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This passage highlights the value of being receptive and attentive, suggesting that a listening ear is essential for cultivating patience and wisdom.

The act of listening is also tied to obedience and faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5 , known as the Shema, the Israelites are commanded, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." The call to "hear" underscores the importance of listening as a precursor to loving and obeying God fully.

Warnings Against Ignoring Wisdom

The Bible also warns against the dangers of ignoring wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 28:9 cautions, "Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable." This verse serves as a stark reminder that neglecting to listen to God's commandments can have serious spiritual consequences.

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus often used the phrase, "He who has ears, let him hear" (e.g., Matthew 11:15), urging His listeners to pay attention and understand His teachings. This call to listen is a reminder of the responsibility to seek and embrace divine truth.

Practical Application

For believers, the ear's role in seeking knowledge is not merely a passive act but an active pursuit of truth and understanding. Engaging with Scripture, listening to sound teaching, and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit are all ways in which the ear can fulfill its purpose in the quest for knowledge.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the ear as a seeker of knowledge underscores the importance of listening in the life of a believer. By being attentive to God's Word and the wisdom of others, Christians are better equipped to grow in faith and live according to God's will.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Existence, and Knowledge of It, and the Love of Both.
... which their misery should be deathless, and should offer the ... only sensation but seminal
life, yet either seek the upper ... nor by the orifice of the ear, nor by ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 27 of existence and knowledge.htm

The Hearing Ear and the Seeing Eye
... are not all the wonders which are in the ear and in ... If God, at any moment, should
create a full-grown plant ... which follows, 'Try me, O God, and seek the ground ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon vi the hearing ear.htm

A Knowledge of God
... It is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither ... Before opening its pages
we should ask for the enlightenment ... places of prayer if we will seek Him for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 10 a knowledge of.htm

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ...
... that he is a rewarder of them that seek him diligently ... a new gospel, which, if an
angel should bring from ... business, you have nothing present but an ear, or eye ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xi the knowledge that.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear."". ... When these are discovered,
restraint should begin ... Parents who seek a godly seed, should no longer delay ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

Divine Sovereignty
... hissed and execrated, and then it is that men turn a deaf ear to us ... Instead of being
envious of those who have the gift of knowledge, we should seek to gain ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/divine sovereignty.htm

That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable ...
... The priest's lips keep knowledge, and they shall seek the law ... It is as though He
should say in a figure ... while speech is conceived through the ear, thought is ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter iv that the ruler.htm

The Knowledge of God
... Psalm 94:4. He that planted the ear, shall he not ... who need to seek the first principles
of the oracles of ... in our horizon, to this day the veil should be upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

Concerning "Understanding. "
... He must put his ear to the earth that he may detect ... our knowledge is so small at
the best ... The more reason then why we should seek to make increase therein, that ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter v concerning understanding.htm

The Privilege of Prayer
... Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be ... We should pray in the family
circle, and above all we ... No curious ear is to receive the burden of such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 11 the privilege of.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.org

What is emblematic parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword? | GotQuestions.org

Ear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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The Ear: should Receive the Word of God
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