This is what Jesus means when He says, “For those who have ears to hear.”

It’s possible to hear, but not listen…
To listen, but not act…
To act, but not act on what you heard.

Proverbs 1:5 NIV

let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance

Luke 2:46 NASB

Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Matthew 13:9 AMPC

He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing.

The process to being a hearer.
1. Stop talking. Give your full attention to what God is saying.
2. Be in the moment and examine every detail of what is being said.
3. Lean into the Holy Spirit so you can discern properly what is being revealed.
4. Lay hold and make what God is saying your own.
5. Stop talking. No need for your commentary until you activate what was said.

Matthew 13:13 TPT

That’s why I teach the people using parables, because they think they’re looking for truth, yet because their hearts are unteachable, they never discover it. Although they will listen to me, they never fully perceive the message I speak.

Proverbs 26:12 AMP

Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes and full of self-conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

You know you’re unteachable when:

1. There is pride rather than humility.
2. There is dogma rather that openness.
3. There is deflection rather than submission.
4. There is insecurity rather than confidence.
5. There is anger rather than tranquility.

Let’s take some time
(listen-consider-perceive-comprehend-hear)

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

TIFAW

I have ears to hear.
I LISTEN to what God is saying.
I STOP TALKING, knowing His way is better.
I ACT on what HE says.
I SAY, “Yes, Lord.”