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Knowing When to Listen—and When Not To
Note these contrasting proverbs: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Prov. 19:20). “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Prov. 1:10). One proverb says listen; the other says not to. They are both right.
There were times when David was wise not to listen:
●When Saul suggested that David was too inexperienced to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 17:33).
●When his men on two occasions tried to persuade him to kill King Saul (1 Sam. 24, 26).
●When some said that the ones who could not go into battle should have no share in the spoils (1 Sam. 30:21-25).
Then there were times when David was wise to listen:
●When Abigail persuaded him not to take vengeance on Nabal and his men (1 Sam. 25:18-34).
●When David responded with humility and penitence when Nathan the prophet rebuked him for his sin of adultery and murder (2 Sam. 12:1-13).
●When Joab urged David to relate to his people in spite of his grief over Absalom’s death (2 Sam. 19:7-8).
In these cases David shows himself to be a man of restraint (Abigail), of penitence (Nathan), and prudence (Joab).
Steve Singleton pointed out to me one occasion when David should have listened, but didn’t. Joab tried to persuade David not to take a census of his people, but David insisted. He and Israel paid dearly for his refusal to listen (2 Sam. 24).
It takes a humble person to be willing to listen when he should, and a strong person to refuse to listen to those who would lead us astray. It is a foolish person who listens to those who would lead him away from God’s will, and a stubborn, prideful person who will not listen when the truth is spoken.
“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing” (Prov. 29:1).
Let’s learn when to listen─and when not to.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
