Proverbs 22:17 kjv

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Proverbs 22:17 nkjv

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;

Proverbs 22:17 niv

Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,

Proverbs 22:17 esv

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,

Proverbs 22:17 nlt

Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 17 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial summons to attentiveness and intentional reception of instruction. It urges the listener to actively engage their senses ("incline thine ear, and hear") and their innermost being ("apply thine heart") to grasp and internalize divine wisdom and knowledge. It signifies that true understanding comes not from mere exposure, but from a deliberate, wholehearted commitment to absorb and assimilate the lessons offered by the wise.

Proverbs 22 17 Context

Proverbs 22:17 marks a pivotal transition within the book. It introduces a new collection of maxims, often labeled "The Words of the Wise" (22:17-24:22), distinguishing them slightly from the earlier Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22:16) and subsequent collections. Historically and culturally, this section underscores the traditional role of a sage or wise teacher imparting critical life principles to a disciple or young protégé. This instruction was essential for equipping individuals to navigate societal complexities, uphold justice, manage finances, and interact appropriately within the community. The emphasis on active listening and internalizing knowledge reflects an educational paradigm where character formation was as crucial as information transfer. The verse serves as a preamble, a vital pre-condition for the effective reception of the forthcoming wise counsels that address various practical and moral aspects of life, rooted in a divinely ordained order.

Proverbs 22 17 Word analysis

• "Incline" (Hebrew: hat, from natâ - נָטָה): This active command, an imperative, implies leaning forward or bending the ear. It suggests a deliberate, eager, and humble attentiveness, actively directing one's physical and mental faculties towards the speaker, removing distractions. It sets a posture of readiness to receive.
• "thine ear" (Hebrew: ozneka, from ozen - אֹזֶן): Refers to the physical organ of hearing, yet extends beyond mere audibility. Its mention highlights the necessity of actual listening. In ancient Near Eastern thought, hearing was often intrinsically linked with obedience; one listens in order to comprehend and then follow instruction.
• "and hear" (Hebrew: u'shma, from shâma' - שָׁמַע): This is more profound than simple auditory perception. It denotes an attentive hearing that progresses to understanding and, by strong implication, to action or obedience. It shares the same root as Shema, "Hear, O Israel," carrying significant theological weight, emphasizing not just receiving but internalizing and acting on divine commands.
• "the words" (Hebrew: divrei, from dâbâr - דָּבָר): Denotes articulated speech, propositions, or commands. These are concrete instructions, principles, or specific teachings emanating from a reputable source, intended to shape behavior and thought.
• "of the wise" (Hebrew: chakhamim, from châkhâm - חָכָם): Refers to individuals who possess discernment, skill, and spiritual insight. Their wisdom is recognized as originating from the Lord. Their words, therefore, carry not merely human opinion but divine authority and proven truth.
• "and apply" (Hebrew: v'hashev, from shûbh - שׁוּב in the Hiphil imperative): This is a causative verb, meaning "cause to return" or "direct back." It is a forceful command to actively direct or fix one's heart upon the knowledge. It speaks of a deliberate, internal effort of channeling one's entire focus and will towards the wisdom.
• "thine heart" (Hebrew: libecka, from lêbh - לֵב): In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is the innermost core of a person – the seat of intellect, emotions, will, moral decisions, and overall personality. It represents the entirety of one's inner being, where true understanding, conviction, and transformation ultimately take place. Applying the heart signifies a wholehearted commitment, not just superficial intellectual agreement.
• "unto my knowledge" (Hebrew: l'da'ati, from da‘ath - דַּעַת): Da'at signifies knowledge, insight, discernment, or understanding. The possessive "my" points to the teacher's accumulated and validated wisdom, which is inherently consistent with and derived from God's own truth. This knowledge is not abstract theory but is practical and transformative, directly influencing one's way of life.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Incline thine ear, and hear": This dynamic pairing strongly emphasizes active and receptive listening. It describes an intentional turning towards the source of wisdom, involving a humble posture and a mental readiness to receive and process the instruction. This dual command goes beyond simple perception to encompass understanding and comprehension.
• "the words of the wise": This phrase defines the authoritative and trustworthy source of the knowledge. The "wise" are not simply clever individuals, but those whose understanding of life's principles and moral truths aligns with God's established order, making their teachings reliable and beneficial.
• "apply thine heart unto my knowledge": This command creates a profound link between intellectual reception and deep internal integration. It demands not just intellectual apprehension but also volitional and emotional engagement, signifying that the truth must move from external hearing into the very core of one's being, thereby fostering character transformation.

Proverbs 22 17 Bonus section

This verse initiates a crucial section within Proverbs (22:17-24:34) known for its distinctive structure and direct imperatives. It highlights that the acquisition of wisdom is not an automatic process or a purely intellectual exercise. Instead, it requires deliberate, concerted effort involving both one's cognitive faculties (the ear to hear the "words") and one's volitional and affective core (the heart to "apply" and embrace the "knowledge"). This dual emphasis underscores a foundational biblical principle: genuine understanding and spiritual transformation flow from active, humble reception of truth combined with heartfelt commitment to internalize and live by it. It serves as a spiritual call to attention for all who seek divine instruction, distinguishing superficial knowledge from true, life-altering wisdom.

Proverbs 22 17 Commentary

Proverbs 22:17 serves as a vital preamble, instructing the audience on the indispensable prerequisite for acquiring genuine wisdom: deliberate and profound engagement. It calls for more than a casual auditory experience; it demands a conscious "incline[ation of] the ear," urging a posture of eagerness and attentiveness, actively tuning in to absorb instruction. This readiness transcends the physical, symbolizing a spiritual receptivity to divine truth. This engaged hearing is then followed by the critical command to "apply thine heart," signaling that true wisdom must penetrate beyond the intellect to the very core of one's being—the heart, representing will, emotion, and character. To "apply" the heart means to dedicate one's innermost self, including one's intentions and affections, to "my knowledge," which is divinely-rooted and offered by the wise teacher. This holistic process—active listening coupled with heartfelt internalization—ensures that the wisdom is not merely acknowledged but integrated, forming the foundation for righteous living. It prepares the reader to receive and implement the practical counsels that follow in the Book of Proverbs, understanding that transformative wisdom molds the inner person first, leading to God-honoring conduct.

• Examples: A disciplined student diligently takes notes and reflects on lectures rather than passively sitting. A believer listens to sermons with an open spirit, seeking to understand how the word applies to their life and praying for grace to obey. An apprentice attentively observes a master, actively seeking to grasp every technique, rather than just standing by.