June 17

Profitable Hearing

He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you. — Mark 4:24 BSB

“Take heed what you hear.” This is an important warning. The things we hear enter our souls and shape who we become, coloring our character. We live in a time of vast resources, with many good books available that can bless us, offering wisdom and healing. But there are also many books filled with evil, spreading poison that can destroy our moral and spiritual well-being. With such a wide variety of influences available, it’s crucial that we choose carefully what we allow into our hearts. We wouldn’t eat poisoned food, so why would we allow poisonous words into our souls?

If we listen to evil things or read corrupt books and materials, our hearts will become polluted, and our lives will reflect that corruption. We should shut our ears to anything unholy. Many ruined lives began with a single impure word whispered into a listening ear, or a vile book secretly read. On the other hand, every beautiful life is made beautiful by what it hears. Pure and true words have the power to transform.

The Bible is a book of words, but each word reveals something beautiful about God’s character or His will for us. By hearing God’s Word, we can be transformed. We should always be eager to hear the Word of God because it will always benefit us. But we must also heed Jesus’ other warning: “Take heed how you hear.” We should listen thoughtfully, reverently, and obediently, allowing God’s words to enter our hearts and transform our lives.