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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Our world is awash with sound, portable sound no less, so we can always be in range of the latest news, gossip, music, etc. The pertinent question for today being: Is there a difference between hearing and listening?
We all learn over time to tune out “background noise” and concentrate on the task at hand, but what do you define as background noise? The IPhone you’re surreptitiously looking at during class or the lecture your professor is delivering, the instructions your parents are attempting to convey or the television program you’re watching out of the corner of your eye, the sermon your preacher is expounding on or your friends whispered comments throughout the hour, your bosses directions on how to work effectively or your thoughts concerning an upcoming date? These decisions – and others – as well as their consequences become increasingly ours to make, it being obvious throughout the process that we can indeed hear but not listen – or maybe better put, hear but not heed.
Scripture deals extensively with the idea of hearing and listening; the Hebrew word – shema – usually translated in English as hear, has a much more diverse meaning than to merely perceive sound. Its broader application encompasses the ideas of listening, taking heed and responding to what’s been heard – the natural outcome of listening on purpose.1The two Hebrew verbs do and hear are nearly synonymous, to hear is to do; to be obedient. For instance, Deut. 11focuses on loving God and the subsequent responses that will generate in us; verse 13saying, “…if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today…”, literally translated, “…it will be if hearing you will hear…” The same with Exodus 24:7, where Moses relays the expectations of the covenant he is arbitrating between God and the Israeli people; their response being, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey…”; in strict Hebrew rendered, “All that God has said we will do and we will hear.”
It’s not that this revelation radically changes our understanding of scripture, but it can enhance our appreciation of the nuances of God’s word; giving insight into a phrase Jesus repeatedly used to close out a number of teaching sessions, such as that found in Mark 4:3, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The idea behind the words being, ‘You’ve heard what I said, now take it to heart and do it!’ The expectation in both Testaments being that we will be doers of his word and not hearers only. ( James 1:22)
Several other cultures do much the same, leading us not so much to unexpected conclusions but expanded ones. For instance, Lorrie Anderson, A New Testament translator in Peru, South America – searched long and hard without success for a Candoshi equivalent to the English word believe. After months of research, she finally discovered that – like Hebrew – hear also meant obey with the connotation of belief in Candoshi.2These verbs stress action and effort rather than just mental activity in both languages; which might seem confusing at times, until you realize that the English language has its own instances where single words are colored with “shades” of meaning. For example, the word love can convey a general sense of respect and appreciation, a deeper familial care and concern, an embracing of community and the less fortunate within it, and erotic passion. Whereas other cultures divide these varying expressions of love into separate words, such as the Greek Agape, Philo and Eros.
Another Hebrew word with a broader meaning than is conveyed in English is remember, which at times invokes the idea of acting on someone else’s behalf. As in Genesis 8:1, where God is said to have “remembered” Noah and as such, responded to his plight. The same can be said of the idea of “knowing” someone, referring to something more than the facts concerning them but hinting at the possibility of a relationship with them; up to and including sexual intimacy – as in Genesis 4:1, where Adam “knew” Eve, who then conceived and bore Cain. The idea behind these expressions being that action was – or should be – the natural result of what we know or believe. If we “remember” someone and their need, we will act to resolve it; if we “hear” someone, we will respond to their directives, advice or pleas for help; if we “know” someone, we will have – or develop – an appropriate relationship with them based on a genuine appreciation of who they are. The longest distance faith has to travel to be effective being from our heads – or “ears” – to our hearts; once made, it naturally finds expression through our hands and feet in service to others.3
Much the same can be said concerning our love of God, which isn’t always about a passionate feeling, although we can be passionate about serving him. That love then expressed as an absolute commitment to his will regardless of the depth of our understanding of it at any given moment. Which often then leads to intense expressions of love and appreciation as we experience his dependability in providing for us. Pastor Chuck Warrock writing, “Love (means) action…, living a certain way, a way that distinguishes God’s people from other people.”4 The “love your enemies” of Luke 6:27, coupled with “do good to those who hate you.”, expressing the expectation that we will live out the ideal of love by treating even our enemies fairly – praying for them, and us if need be – to change so relationship can take place. (Which doesn’t mean we fool ourselves into believing they are wonderful people, but by learning to act with our will first, our feelings and actions – as well as theirs – may very well change over time.)
Most English-speakers refer to their hearts as the seat of their emotions, differentiating that from their heads – supposedly the center of rational thinking. In Hebrew, however, heart often meant head, mind or thought. As in, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” Deuteronomy 6:6 Which literally meant, ‘These commandments are to be a part of all your thoughts.’ Proverbs 16:27 Assuring us that, “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” or “adds persuasiveness to his lips.” An alternate rendering being, ‘The wise person thinks through his words, so that he can speak persuasively.’ Paul using this same train of thought when he writes, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, (by taking) captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
The church’s responsibility – then as now – is to, “…teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1 Which is found in the, “…instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Timothy 6:3 Jesus insisting, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15 And then promising, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.” John 15:10 Which is not about earning salvation, but is very much about discipleship – a life-long journey dedicated to becoming more like Him. Jesus posing this question to those who say one thing while doing another – or nothing. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
Over-emphasizing works can lead to the age-old problem of legalism. However, under-emphasizing obedience leads to the opposite pitfall; unproductive – virtually useless disciples – never bearing fruit because they’re either disinterested or unwilling to conform to God’s will. John expressing his concerns about this pitfall by writing, “…let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
1From “Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus,” Lois Tverberg, Zondervan Pub.
2Quoted from “Searchlight on Bible Words” , by James C. Halley, Zondervan Pub.
3Same as #1
4From “The most Important Thing Jesus Said” www.ethicsdaily.com
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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