The Power of Listening: Be Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak

Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we're looking at a simple but profound concept: the power of listening. In our noisy, fast-paced world, this quiet act often gets overlooked. But the Bible reminds us that learning to listen well is not only wise—it’s transformative.

The Power of Listening in Scripture and Daily Life

Let’s start with a foundational verse that speaks directly to this topic:

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" — James 1:19, KJV

There’s deep wisdom packed into this short instruction. James is encouraging us to prioritize listening—not just as a courtesy, but as a way of life. Being swift to hear and slow to speak positions us to walk in humility, patience, and love.

When we truly listen, we slow ourselves down long enough to honor the other person. We shift from focusing on what we want to say next to focusing on what someone else is saying now.

Jesus—The Master Listener

One of the most powerful biblical examples of listening comes from Jesus Himself. In John 4:7-26, Jesus engages with a Samaritan woman at a well—a woman most people would have ignored or avoided. But not Jesus. He asked her a question and then listened.

"There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink... Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?" — John 4:7-9, KJV

Jesus didn’t come in with a lecture or condemnation. Instead, He created space for her to speak. He let her story unfold. And in that space, He offered truth and living water.

Listening opened the door for revelation, redemption, and relationship.

What Makes a Good Listener?

If we want to follow Jesus’ example, we need to grow in our ability to listen well. That doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intention and practice. Here are three traits that define a godly listener:

1. Patience

Being patient means we’re not just waiting for our turn to speak. We’re fully present. We let others finish their thoughts without interrupting or rushing them. Patience says, “Your words matter enough for me to wait.”

2. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to hear someone’s heart, not just their words. It’s choosing to step into someone else’s perspective, even when their experience is different from ours. It’s what Romans 12:15 describes when it says to “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

3. Open-Mindedness

A good listener doesn’t assume they already know what the other person is going to say. Proverbs gives us a strong word of wisdom on this:

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." — Proverbs 12:15, KJV

An open mind creates space for correction, learning, and growth.

When You Don’t Feel Heard

Many of us know how painful it feels when we’re not really listened to. Maybe someone brushed off your words, talked over you, or dismissed your feelings. That experience can be deeply frustrating.

But here’s a challenge: Let those moments teach you what not to do. Use the memory of feeling unheard as fuel to become someone who truly hears others.

"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." — Proverbs 19:20, KJV

Wisdom comes from listening, not just speaking. And sometimes, the very healing we long for can begin when we offer the gift of listening to someone else.

Listening in Real Life

Think about how different our homes, churches, and communities could be if we practiced being quick to hear. Marriages would deepen. Friendships would thrive. Even our interactions with strangers would become more compassionate.

The truth is, listening is a ministry. It doesn’t require a pulpit, a microphone, or a platform. It just requires attention—and love.

Listening to God

Let’s not forget that listening is essential in our relationship with God, too. Prayer is not a monologue. It’s a two-way conversation. When we take time to quiet our hearts and listen, we begin to hear His voice more clearly.

"Be still, and know that I am God:" — Psalm 46:10a, KJV

Stillness creates space for clarity. And in that quiet, we often find exactly what we need.

Thank you for being with us today as we explored the power of listening. This isn’t just about communication—it’s about reflecting the heart of Christ in how we treat others.

Let’s commit to being people who are quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Let’s create a culture of listening—at home, in our churches, and in our everyday lives.

Have you experienced the power of being truly heard—or the pain of being overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your story might encourage someone else.

Until next time, stay blessed, and keep growing in grace.