Proverbs 2 opens with the following verses: “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom… then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”
This is a message from the king advising his son to attend and bend himself in the direction of wisdom.
The word “incline” is found again in Proverbs 2:18, this time speaking of the strange woman who has forsaken God and truth. “For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.” In this verse, the idea expressed is that this woman is sinking down (inclined) to destruction. Talk about heading in opposite directions! I want to incline my ears and heart to the truth.
But even better, did you know that God inclines His ear to us? “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.” (Psa. 116:1-2) These verses speak so perfectly the words of my heart. “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice…” This is real. The Lord hears my voice when I cry unto Him. He hears my requests and supplications. He bends down, as it were, and listens to me. I’m so thankful He tells me in His holy Word that He inclines Himself to me. And doesn’t it make you think how He must rejoice and delight to see me incline my ears and heart to Him?!
Incline thine ear to me, O Lord!
My weary heart doth cry-
Your love to me was purposed
When still a sinner, I.
I love Your love.
Your bended ear
Doth call me then to listen.
Hear!
“Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.” (Psa. 119:36)
I am reminded of a precious phrase at the end of 1 John 5:14: “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:” How wise it would be for me to incline my ways in obedience to the One Who promises to bend down His ear to hear my voice. (V.K.S.)
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