Faith Foundations for Social Cohesion
Religious and spiritual teachings that inspire listening, unity, bridging divides and loving our neighbors
Christian Teachings
Let the wise listen and add to their learning. - Proverbs 1:5
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak. - James 1:19
To answer before listening-- that is folly and shame. - Proverbs 18:13
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1
Consider carefully how you listen. - Luke 8:18
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. - Proverbs 18:2
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. - Proverbs 18:15
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. - Proverbs 29:11
Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. - Proverbs 29:20
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. - Proverbs 10:12
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. - Proverbs 12:18
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. - James 1:19
What a shame, what folly, to give advice before listening to the facts! - Proverbs 18:13
Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. - Proverbs 17:14
Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. - Romans 12:19
So encourage each other and build each other up. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. -Matthew 7:12
Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart. It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent. - Proverbs 11:11-12
Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition. - Proverbs 25:15
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. - Proverbs 15:1
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:31-32
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. - Ephesians 4:29
So let’s stop condemning each other. - Romans 14:13
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. - Proverbs 10:12
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:2-3
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these. - Mark 12:31
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, - Luke 6:27
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself -Leviticus 19:18
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. - Galatians 5:14
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; - Romans 13:10
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, - Matthew 5:44
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone. - Galatians 6:10
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. - Romans 15:2
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. - Romans 12:10
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. - Luke 6:31
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. - Colossians 3:13
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. -Ephesians 4:25
Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. - Proverbs 3:29
A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. - Proverbs 12:16
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. - Proverbs 13:3
You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. - Leviticus 19:17-18
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. - Colossians 3:12-13
People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. - Proverbs 14:29
Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. - Proverbs 14:34
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. - Proverbs 15:28
The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. - Proverbs 16:21
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. - Proverbs 17:14
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. - Proverbs 17:27
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. - Proverbs 18:2
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. - Proverbs 18:13
Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. - Proverbs 20:3
Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord. - Proverbs 20:12
Islamic Teachings
Among them are those who torment the Prophet, and say, ‘He is (all) ear.’ Say, ‘An ear that is good for you.’ - Quran 9:61
Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good – to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess. - Quran 4:36
1. The Quran encourages believers to “be patient in listening” (Quran 7:204). True believers are those who listen to what is said and follow the best of it (Quran 39:18).
Surah Al-A’raf (7:204):
The Quran instructs, “So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” Here, the act of listening is directly linked to obtaining God’s mercy, emphasizing its spiritual significance.
Surah Az-Zumar (39:18):
This verse celebrates those who listen actively, “Those who listen to the Word [of God] and follow the best meaning in it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endowed with understanding.” It highlights the virtue of not just hearing, but actively seeking the best meanings in what is being said.
Surah An-Nisa (4:58):
While discussing just conduct, the Quran advises, “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.” Implicit in the notion of justice is the idea of listening well to all sides of an issue.
Surah Qaf (50:37):
The Quran acknowledges the value of reflection and consideration in listening, “Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who listens while he is present [in mind].”
Hadith on Listening:
One of the many hadiths that emphasize the importance of listening is where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either utter good words or better keep silent.” This hadith underscores the virtue of being thoughtful in speech and suggests the value of listening over speaking hastily.
Hindu Teachings
Buddhists Teachings
Jewish Teachings
Baháʼí Teachings
Consultation: Consultation is a practice of not only discussion with others but a deeper investigation of the truth. This practice of group discernment allows those involved to find greater clarity on their reality and can lead groups to unified decision-making. -Baha’i Values, Wayfarer Foundation
Unity: Humanity is one, and that oneness must be upheld legally, morally, and spiritually worldwide. We celebrate the gifts of diverse individuals, communities, and institutions and work to build a world that affirms this diversity while also creating unity. -Baha’i Values, Wayfarer Foundation