Just Listen, or . . . Hear

All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, when they have heard the words of your mouth.

 - Psalm 138

Have you ever heard something like this:

"Woe unto them that listen, but do not hear."

or how about . . . 

"Woe unto them that hear, but do not listen."

And I've always wondered, which is it? And do the two statements mean something different?

But the point is . . . it's one thing to listen to, or hear, another person. But's a far different thing to hear, or listen to them. It depends on the meaning. And we know what is meant.

When I say "listen to," I have added the directional word "to," at the end of the verb "listen," which implies movement, action, with an object. 

But if I say "have heard," as in, "when they have heard the words of your mouth," we are using the perfect form. "Have heard" means that it has been done, to completion. 

Obviously, the Kings of earth have not heard the words from the Lord's mouth, for they have not started praising Him yet. And aren't the rulers of earth the real problem? They don't mind their own business. They don't trust the people. They can't handle power. They wage war, levy taxes, conscript armies, charge and prosecute criminals.

Behind the Psalm, is a promise. All the kings of the earth will praise You, O Lord.