09/30/2025
Listening Heart
It’s kind of crazy when you think about it. Wisdom in the Bible is all about listening. Of course it makes sense that wisdom would start with listening to God, to God’s law and commandments, as well as the promptings and leadings of the Holy Spirit. Solomon wants to be a good king so he asks God to deepen his relationship with his Lord (as David did) and to be able to hear the cries, concerns, and needs of the people he is charged with leading.
In Sunday’s sermon we talked about having a listening heart but here is a fuller definition of what Solomon asks for when he asks for wisdom:
Meaning of "Lev Shomea"
Literal Translation
"Lev shomea" is a phrase from Biblical Hebrew that translates literally to "listening heart" or "hearing heart."
Contextual Usage
- The term is often associated with the request made by King Solomon to God for wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks for "an understanding mind" to govern the people, which is derived from "lev shomea."
- The purpose of having a "listening heart" is to discern between good and evil, enabling wise governance.
Implications
- The phrase emphasizes the importance of being attentive and receptive, not just in a physical sense but also in understanding and empathy.
- It reflects a deeper spiritual quality, suggesting that true wisdom involves listening and understanding the needs of others.
This concept encourages individuals to cultivate a heart that is open to learning and compassionate towards others.
If we want to live a larger life then, the first step is empathy and understanding borne of attentiveness to God. May we all find the inspiration we need from God’s gift of a listening heart.
Archived Posts
Listening Heart
It’s kind of crazy when you think about it. Wisdom in the Bible is all about listening. Of course it makes sense that wisdom would start with listening to God, to God’s law and commandments, as well as the promptings and leadings of the Holy Spirit.
Here are some quotes that
didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon.
(But it doesn’t mean that they don’t offer real insight into the power of risk over the fear of failure...)
Such A Rich Passage (Luke 19:1-10)
I reflected a lot on the passage about Zacchaeus because it has been written off as “been there, read that, little guy in a tree.” But it is so rich in getting to the heart of what it means to be saved by grace through faith—to live our lives out of gratitude rather than obligation.
The Power of Presence
This last Sunday I had so much more to share than time to share it. The last Emotional Management Technique was to stay present in the process. Just as Jesus stayed with the woman who was judged and found guilty by the angry crowd, we stay by our children and our friends, especially when they need us the most. Here a couple of examples...
What’s In A Benediction?
Last Sunday I used one of my favorite benedictions.
It was inspired by a saying from about ten years ago:
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
There are several powerful and evocative artworks that depict the scene from Mark 9:14–29, where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit... Some of the following have internet links, the others are worth googling. Enjoy!
The Gift of Ourselves As A Gift of Love
The more the giving of myself costs me something, the greater the power of the gift. You know I love quotes, so after a little research, let me share a few of my favorites on this very subject: