What We Need to Hear Is Not Always What We Want to Hear

Note from today’s Bible reading: Jeremiah 4-7

Jeremiah warned of destruction that was coming against Judah. Unfortunately, the people did not want to listen. They were content to listen to the lying prophets who told them what they wanted to hear.

The false prophets and corrupt priests were willing to comfort the people because of what they stood to gain from it. God said, “For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely” (Jeremiah 6:13).

The Lord then explained what the prophets and priests were doing that enabled them to receive the “gain” they desired: “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). Jeremiah’s message of judgment and destruction was not popular. The people wanted to hear that everything was fine and supported the ones who told them so.

However, judgment was still coming. The people needed to be taught the law of God so they could follow it and “find rest for [their] souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). They needed to be warned, but they would “not listen” (Jeremiah 6:17). Jeremiah’s message was not pleasant, but it was for their good if they would have paid attention.

So remember that what we need to hear is not always what we want to hear. When we get caught up in sin and error, we need someone to point it out so we can repent. Receiving such correction is certainly not enjoyable, but it is the only way to have the lasting peace we desire.