Flavor #4: Listening (Ozen; Shama; Akouo)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence and Significance: Listening transcends auditory perception; it embodies active engagement and responsiveness. The Hebrew term Ozen refers to the ear, the organ of hearing. Shama extends this concept to imply hearing with attention, understanding, and obedience. In the New Testament, the Greek word Akouo conveys hearing with the intent to comprehend and act upon what is heard. Thus, true listening involves not just receiving sounds but internalizing messages and translating them into meaningful responses and intentional actions that reflect I’ve not only paid attention but I’ve taken matters that are concerning into my heart, and I’ll formulate and deliver the appropriate response based on what I’ve heard and understood. 

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: This flavor resembles a serene pause amidst life’s noise, offering a space where words are truly heard and valued. It manifests when you set aside distractions, maintain eye contact, and engage fully with the speaker’s message. It’s evident in moments where silence is held not as a void but as a vessel for understanding. The “nutritional value” of listening is profound: it seeks to know deeply, diffuses misunderstandings, develops trust and it deepens relationships. By genuinely listening, we practice being “curious and not furious” with the speaker as we listen to them.  True listening creates environments where empathy thrives, conflicts are resolved, and connections are strengthened as this form of care is rendered.

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “My child is especially deserving of this flavor. Beyond guidance or correction, she seeks to be understood and valued. Serving this flavor means dedicating time to hear her thoughts, fears, and dreams without immediate judgment or solutions. It involves asking open-ended questions, reflecting back what I heard, and providing a safe space for her to express her feelings, thoughts, needs, emotions and disagreements. By doing so, I affirm her worth and model attentive listening that nurtures respect and understanding.”

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.