God's Grace to Incline Our Ear to Wisdom - Proverbs 4:20

Wisdom must be the principle by which we govern ourselves. Wisdom warns us of the dangers of sin and prepares us for our duty before God. Therefore, we must incline our ear to wisdom. This means we must, in humility, diligently listen to wisdom's call. When we submit ourselves to wisdom, it is a sign that God's grace is working within us. Matthew Henry stated - The attentive hearing of the word of God is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart and a good means of carrying it on.

How do you know if this work of grace has taken place within your own life? It all starts with the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. When God brings us from spiritual death unto spiritual life (i.e. born again), He imparts into us a new nature. This new nature recognizes that our sin needs to be dealt with. There is a sense of guilt that only God can remove. As a result, we turn to Christ in faith, trusting in His completed work. In order to turn to Christ in faith, we must turn from sin (this is repentance). Furthermore, this new nature desires the things of God. This new nature loves what God loves and hates what God hates. Therefore, if you have a desire to hear wisdom and apply wisdom to your heart, then you know God has done a work of grace within your heart.