Years ago, I heard a quote that words break no bones but they break hearts. This is a good way to summarize the experience of the children of Israel in our text. Here, Moses is doing some recap. He reminisces on the time he sends people to go survey the land of promise, one man representing each of the twelve tribes. Ten of them brings back with them evil reports. “We will never be able to go up. The giants live in the land. In comparison, we are grasshoppers and are no match.” That’s all they need to say to dampen the enthusiasm of the people. The departure from Egypt is spectacular. Crossing the red sea is no less spectacular. But suddenly, the ultimate destination is deemed impossible. Up the words of ten men, down the zeal of over two million people!

” If you hear everything and everyone, first, you will be confused; and then discouragement will set in. Selective hearing does not only protect your heart, it also protects the goals you set for life.”

This reminds one of the words of Jesus to His disciples. “Take heed what ye hear”, He says. By extension, we must take heed to whom we listen to as well. Inspiration can be destroyed by words. To be high on inspiration, we need to be selective of what and who we hear. The book of Ecclesiastes encourages us not to listen to every word. Well, that advice is for a different reason; it is so you don’t hear those who may hurt your spirit through verbal insults. But the principle extends to the current focus. If you hear everything and everyone, first, you will be confused; and then discouragement will set in. Selective hearing does not only protect your heart, it also protects the goals you set for life.