Incline Your Ear...

You may be familiar with this scene, perhaps having experienced something similar. Lying on his deathbed an elderly man tries to speak. Family members see his lips move, but can only hear a faint whisper. The oldest son leans toward him but still cannot make out what he is saying. Awkwardly leaning in until his ear almost touches his father's lips, he strains to listen.

His father's dying words are important.

A related scene unfolds in much a more casual setting. Dad has come home from work and switches on the TV to see the evening news. The kids are horsing around in the background. Dad leans forward and cocks his head to the side so that he can hear the news report better. He cups one hand behind his listening ear, increases the volume, and if there is a pause, he barks at the kids, “Quiet!”
This is important.

There is a sound outside in the darkness; an unfamiliar, puzzling sound.

“Shhh! Listen.” 

Everyone stops! 

Creeping to the closest door you quietly, cautiously peer out; perhaps even dare to step out. You strain to hear; ears alert; wanting to know and understand.
This is important.

We make an effort to hear something that is important to us. We turn our head. We cup a hand behind one ear.
We lean in.
We ‘shush.’
We strain.
We change our position and change manage our surroundings so that we can hear.

It is important!

With one simple word Solomon paints the picture of importance: Incline.

My son, give attention to my wisdom,

Incline your ear to my understanding.

                                            --Proverbs 5:1

Lean your ear toward me for wisdom.
Stretch forward for understanding.
Strain, struggle, focus.
Shhhh!
Stop!

Listen.

This Is Important!