Why is listening an important spiritual skill? Listening to God is the first step in obeying him. It's in the Bible, Deuteronomy 5:1, TLB. "Moses continued speaking to the people of Israel and said, 'Listen carefully now to all these laws God has given you; learn them, and be sure to obey them!'"

Hearing God speak may require quiet listening. It's in the Bible, I Kings 19:12-13, NIV. "After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave."

Spiritual listening allows us to learn from others. It's in the Bible, James 1:19-20, NIV. "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."