“Take heed then how you hear” (Lk 8:18): this is what he [Jesus] exhorts them to do after

recounting the parable of the sower, making it understood that it is not enough simply to listen, but that it
is necessary to listen well. Only those who receive the word with an “honest and good” heart and keep it
faithfully bear the fruit of life and salvation (cf. Lk 8:15). It is only by paying attention to whom we
listen, to what we listen, and to how we listen that we can grow in the art of communicating, the heart of
which is not a theory or a technique, but the “openness of heart that makes closeness possible” (cf.
Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 171).

We must follow Jesus' instructions in this passage if we wish to talk persuasively. Take notice
that what we hear must be used in both senses. Initially, Jesus exhorts us to "see what you hear" or to be
cautious about what we let into our ears by using the term "pay attention," which is a verb that implies to
"see." We are unable to avoid hearing a lot of things since there are so many different perspectives and
informational resources at our disposal.

Next, the verb "hear" in this line denotes paying attention to, reflecting on, or comprehending the
meaning of what has been stated. Jesus is not simply discussing what enters our ears. He is referring to
the things we let into our heart. Watch what we let into our comprehension after passing through our ears.
We will speak what we hear.

Finally, if we continue reading this text, it states that God will use whatever measures are
necessary to reward us. Depending on how much thought and investigation you give the truth you hear,
you will either gain strength or virtue from it. Depending on what you decide to hear, your words will
have a different effect. If you listen to life, reflect on it, and study it, your words will be brimming with
life. If you choose to let death be what you hear, death will be what you speak.

The passage simply ends by noting that if you choose to hear them, you will speak words of hope
and faith more frequently. If you consistently fill your ears with life, it will be easier to utter words of life.
The more thought and study you put into it, the more your words and ultimately your life will reflect the
truth of the bible. You are free to choose.