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Psalms 135:17 (BSB)
they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.” — Psalms 135:17
Imagine a crowd of people, all buzzing with noise, but when you call out to them, it’s like they’re in another world. They have ears, yet they don’t hear you. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? This verse paints a vivid picture of people who are missing out on the truth around them. They can physically hear sounds, but they’re so disconnected that they can’t grasp what’s really being said. It's a wake-up call for you to pay attention, to truly listen—not just with your ears but with your heart and mind. This moment is about awareness and the importance of engaging with the world around you, not just going through the motions.
The book of Psalms is often attributed to various authors, but this section is traditionally linked to the community of Israel, likely during a time of reflection and worship. They included this detail to highlight a crucial truth: that while everyone is surrounded by noise, it’s vital to discern what truly matters. The perspective here is one of deep concern for the people who, despite their rituals and traditions, were missing the essence of life by not truly listening to God. It’s a reminder of the passion and urgency behind these words, calling you to engage more deeply with your own spiritual journey.
This verse likely comes from a time when Israel was surrounded by other nations that worshiped idols—objects made of stone or metal that couldn’t communicate or give life. The world was filled with distractions and false hopes, and the people were at a crossroads. The timing matters because it reflects a struggle that many face today: the battle between genuine faith and the allure of what’s easy or tangible. The culture then was rich with sounds and sights, much like today, but the challenge was to look beyond that and focus on what truly matters. It’s a moment in history that resonates, as it speaks to the human condition across ages.
This verse matters to you today because it’s a reminder to be intentional about what you listen to. In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to miss out on what really counts—like genuine connections, truth, and wisdom. It challenges you to reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you’re just hearing noise instead of truly listening? This ancient wisdom speaks to your modern struggles by encouraging you to tune into what’s meaningful and to engage your heart and mind in conversations that matter. It’s an invitation to seek out the truth that can bring real life and understanding.
This week, take a moment to practice active listening. Whether it’s in conversations with friends or family, try to really hear what they’re saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak. You could even set aside time for quiet reflection—turn off distractions like your phone or TV and just listen to your thoughts or the world around you. Ask yourself: What truths am I missing? This can help you connect more deeply with others and with your own heart, allowing you to hear the wisdom and beauty that often go unnoticed.
This verse fits snugly into a chapter that’s all about celebrating the greatness of God while contrasting it with the foolishness of idol worship. The writer describes how people often turn to lifeless idols that can’t speak or respond, which leads to a deeper understanding of why they don’t truly hear. This moment emphasizes the emptiness of those idols, showing you that placing your trust in anything that doesn’t have life or truth will leave you spiritually deaf. The chapter builds up to this point, creating a powerful contrast between the living God and the dead idols that people often cling to. It’s a pivotal moment that urges you to choose wisely whom—or what—you listen to.
What are some 'noises' in your life that distract you from truly listening to what matters? How can you create space to hear more clearly?
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