Proverbs 4:20

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.”

Context:The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. In this verse, Solomon addresses his son, urging him to pay close attention to his words and teachings.

Fatherly Instruction:The verse begins with “My son,” emphasizing the intimate relationship between the speaker (Solomon) and the listener (his son). This highlights the importance of receiving wise instruction from a loving and knowledgeable father figure.

Attending to God’s Word:Solomon encourages his son to “attend to my words.” The word “attend” means to give careful attention, to focus on, and to prioritise. It suggests an active engagement with the words being spoken. Likewise, as believers, we are called to give our full attention to God’s Word, the Bible. It requires a deliberate effort to study, meditate on, and apply its teachings to our lives.

Inclining the Ear:Solomon further instructs his son to “incline thine ear unto my sayings.” This phrase suggests leaning in or bending one’s ear toward the speaker to catch every word. It implies a posture of humility, receptiveness, and readiness to receive instruction. Similarly, we are called to have open hearts and minds when it comes to God’s Word, humbly submitting ourselves to its teachings and guidance.

Personal Application:While this verse is originally addressed to Solomon’s son, we can apply it to our own lives as well. As believers, we are God’s children, and He desires us to attend to His words. We are encouraged to give priority to studying the Bible, seeking to understand its truths, and applying its principles to our daily lives. By doing so, we can grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

• Hearing vs. Listening:The verse emphasises both attentive hearing and active listening. Hearing refers to the physical act of perceiving sound, but listening goes beyond that-it involves understanding and responding to what is being heard. In our relationship with God, it is not enough to merely hear or read His Word; we must truly listen, internalise, and respond to it with obedience and faith.
• Relevance Today:In our fast-paced and distracted world, it is easy to neglect the importance of attending to God’s Word. However, this verse serves as a reminder of the value of active engagement with Scripture. By attending to God’s Word and inclining our ears to His teachings, we can receive guidance, instruction, and wisdom for navigating life’s challenges.

In conclusion, Proverbs 4:20 urges us to give careful attention to God’s Word, humbly inclining our ears to receive His teachings. It emphasises the importance of active engagement, understanding, and application of Scripture in our lives. By doing so, we can grow in wisdom and live according to God’s will.