Proverbs 18:15 kjv

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Proverbs 18:15 nkjv

The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 18:15 niv

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

Proverbs 18:15 esv

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 18:15 nlt

Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge.

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 15 Meaning

Proverbs 18:15 conveys that truly insightful and wise individuals are characterized by an intrinsic desire and active pursuit of understanding. Their inner being (heart) is predisposed to gain knowledge, valuing it greatly and working to possess it. Concurrently, their outward faculty of listening (ear) is diligently engaged, always searching for further truth and instruction. It highlights the deliberate, intentional, and ongoing process of acquiring wisdom.

Proverbs 18 15 Context

Proverbs chapter 18 speaks to various aspects of wise and foolish behavior, with particular emphasis on speech, disputes, friendship, and the role of knowledge in one's life. The verse is nestled within passages that highlight the importance of careful communication and discerning relationships (Prov 18:1-11 regarding isolation, discord, and riches, and Prov 18:16-19 discussing gifts, contention, and offenses). It underscores that while fools isolate themselves and delight in self-serving ideas (Prov 18:1-2), the wise are actively seeking knowledge and understanding, distinguishing them from those who pursue self-interest or folly. The overall theme of Proverbs continually contrasts the diligent, knowledge-seeking person with the simple, the fool, or the scoffer, positioning the pursuit of wisdom as central to a blessed life. Historically, wisdom was seen as the practical art of living skillfully and discerningly in line with divine principles within Israelite society.

Proverbs 18 15 Word analysis

• Heart (לֵב - lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of a person's being—the center of intellect, will, reason, and moral character. A "heart" for knowledge means an inner disposition, an intentional decision, and a fundamental desire that directs one's thoughts and actions towards understanding. It is the seat of intellectual processing and moral resolve.
• Discerning (נָבוֹן - navon): This adjective, derived from the root בין (bin), implies a capacity "to understand," "to distinguish between," "to discern," and "to make sense of." It signifies someone who possesses keen insight, can grasp nuances, and differentiates between truth and error, good and evil. It goes beyond mere factual acquisition; it suggests interpretive skill and sound judgment.
• Acquires (יִקְנֶה - yiqneh): This verb often implies "to buy," "to purchase," or "to get by effort/labor." It highlights that obtaining knowledge is not passive but an active, deliberate process that requires investment—whether of time, energy, attention, or even financial resources. It signifies taking possession of something valuable through purposeful pursuit.
• Knowledge (דַּעַת - da'at): This term encompasses more than mere information; it refers to intellectual insight, practical skill, ethical discernment, and deep, intimate understanding. From the root ידע (yada), "to know," it often implies experiential knowledge, an awareness gained through relationship and engagement, not just theoretical data.
• And ear (וְאֹזֶן - v'ozen): The ear here functions as a metonymy for the faculty of hearing and active listening. It represents outward attentiveness, openness to instruction, and a willingness to receive wisdom from external sources, whether human teachers, divine revelation, or lived experience.
• Wise (חָכָם - chakham): This describes a person who possesses and lives out practical wisdom (chochmah). They are not merely intelligent but skilled in living well, making sound judgments, and acting righteously according to God's ways. They apply their knowledge effectively.
• Seeks (תְּבַקֶּשׁ - t'vaqqesh): This verb (from בקש, baqash) means "to search for," "to seek earnestly," "to demand," or "to require." It signifies a persistent, diligent, and intentional quest for knowledge. It is a proactive effort, driven by desire, not merely waiting for information to be presented.

Words-group Analysis:

• "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge": This phrase emphasizes the internal disposition and intentionality. The very core of a discerning person's being is directed towards gaining understanding. This isn't accidental learning but a deliberate valuing and pursuit of intellectual and ethical truth. The word "acquires" stresses effort and ownership.
• "and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge": This parallels the first phrase, highlighting the external action that stems from the internal disposition. A wise person is characterized by active listening and searching for insight. Their attentiveness isn't passive; it's a proactive engagement with opportunities to learn and understand more deeply. This illustrates how wisdom grows through active engagement and humble reception.
• "acquires knowledge" and "seeks knowledge": The parallel verbs "acquires" and "seeks" convey the active and continuous nature of wisdom's pursuit. One's inner desire to gain understanding leads to an outward manifestation of diligently searching for it. Both "heart" and "ear" are crucial in this ongoing process.

Proverbs 18 15 Bonus section

• Synonymous Parallelism: The verse employs synonymous parallelism, a common poetic device in Proverbs, where the second line reiterates and amplifies the thought of the first. "Heart of the discerning acquires knowledge" parallels "ear of the wise seeks knowledge." This strengthens the message by showing that the inward inclination (heart) and the outward action (ear) work in concert, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the pursuit of wisdom.
• Beyond Intellectualism: While dealing with "knowledge" and "understanding," this verse speaks to a wisdom that is intensely practical and relational. The knowledge sought is not abstract facts, but insights into living well, making right decisions, and understanding divine and human realities.
• Humility in Seeking: The act of "seeking" implies an admission of not having already attained complete knowledge. Thus, the pursuit of wisdom inherently involves humility, a core virtue in the biblical wisdom tradition.
• A Continuous Process: The Hebrew verbs "acquires" (imperfect aspect) and "seeks" (imperfect aspect) suggest an ongoing, continuous process rather than a single, completed event. Wisdom is not a destination arrived at once but a lifelong journey of active learning and humble reception.

Proverbs 18 15 Commentary

Proverbs 18:15 provides a profound insight into the character and methodology of the discerning and wise person. It articulates a fundamental principle of intellectual and spiritual growth: true understanding does not simply arrive by chance, nor is it given to the unconcerned. Rather, it is the reward of diligent pursuit driven by a cultivated inner disposition and expressed through active attentiveness.

The "heart of the discerning" signifies an individual whose deepest intellectual and volitional core is tuned towards insight. This person has the inherent ability and desire to discern, differentiate, and understand, indicating a proactive rather than reactive mind. Their heart "acquires" knowledge, emphasizing that gaining wisdom involves effort and valuing what is sought, much like purchasing a prized possession. This implies an investment of self, a commitment to learning.

In parallel, "the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." The wise individual is not merely knowledgeable but also recognizes the vastness of what remains unknown. Their "ear" symbolizes an outward posture of humility and receptivity. They are perpetually listening, eager to absorb new information, correct understandings, and gain deeper insight. This "seeking" is an active, persistent search for truth from any source—be it mentors, scripture, or life experience.

Together, the "heart" (inner disposition and drive) and the "ear" (outer receptivity and active seeking) describe a comprehensive and dynamic process. Wisdom is cultivated both inwardly, through valuing and striving for understanding, and outwardly, through diligent attention and eager reception of instruction. This verse distinguishes the wise from the fool, who is often characterized by closed ears, an unreceptive heart, and a lack of desire for knowledge (Prov 1:7; 17:16). The path to wisdom, therefore, is paved with both internal cultivation and external diligence.