1) Definition: “Attentiveness” is showing the worth of a person by giving sincere attention to his words.
2) Scripture:
Prov. 1:5,8,24-27; 3:1; 4:1,10,20-22; 5:1-2; 7:1-3; 12:15; 13:18; 15:31; 18:13;
19:20,27; 16:20; 20:12; 22:17; 23:22f; 27:9; 28:9; Heb. 2:1.
3) Underlying
Principle: All men have worth by virtue of their being made in the image of God
(Gen. 1:26-27).
4)
Illustrations:
a)
1 Sam. 3:1-10: This is the story of young Samuel when
the LORD called to him in the night. It
highlights “attentiveness” as well as knowing Who it is you are listening
to. When listening to the LORD we are
attentive when we have Samuel’s heart: Speak, for Your servant hears.
b) Matt.
17:1-6: In the story of the Transfiguration Peter was a little confused. But at the point when he heard the voice of
God speak, the confusion was cleared up.
God said, This is My beloved Son … hear Him! The response was
appropriate: they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
5) Bible
Study:
a) Why
is attentiveness important in life?
i) So
we can avoid the unpleasant results of unconcern, such as …
(1)
1:24-27: calamity (wisdom laughs at us when we don’t
listen).
(2)
13:18: poverty.
(3)
18:13: shame (because we answer before hearing).
ii) So we
can achieve the pleasant results of attentiveness.
(1)
12:15; 19:20: increased wisdom.
(a) Also
cf. 1:5; 10:8; 15:31.
(b)
The fool does what is right in his own eyes; the wise listens
to counsel.
(c) Listen to
counsel, accept reproof, and be wise the rest of your life.
(2)
4:10 (4:20-22): long life (if mixed with obedience).
(3)
13:18: honor (again, if mixed with obedience). Often in the Bible the command is “hear and
obey.” Hearing is insufficient without
obedience, but obedience is impossible without hearing.
We will conclude this study in our next post.
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