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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 2:2 if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/2-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_02_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 2:2 - The Benefits of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Incline your heart to understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />To make your ear pay attention to wisdom, Incline your heart to discernment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thy heart to understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Keep in tune with wisdom and think what it means to have common sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />if you pay close attention to wisdom, and let your mind reach for understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Listen to what is wise and try to understand it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />making your ear attentive to wisdom, and turning your heart to understanding—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So that thou incline thy ear to wisdom, and apply thy heart to understanding;<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />so as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To cause your ear to attend to wisdom, "" You incline your heart to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To cause thine ear to attend to wisdom, Thou inclinest thy heart to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To attend to wisdom thou wilt incline thine ear, thy heart to understanding;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That thy ear may hearken to wisdom: Incline thy heart to know prudence: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />so that your ears may listen to wisdom, then bend your heart in order to know prudence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Turning your ear to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you will incline your ear to wisdom and turn your heart to understanding<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So that thou make thine ear attend unto wisdom, And thy heart incline to discernment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />thine ear shall hearken to wisdom; thou shalt also apply thine heart to understanding, and shalt apply it to the instruction of thy son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/2-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=225" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">The Benefits of Wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7181.htm" title="7181: lə·haq·šîḇ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To incline (ears), attend. A primitive root; to prick up the ears, i.e. Hearken.">if you incline</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·ne·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">your ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: la·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">to wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: taṭ·ṭeh (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">and direct</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">your heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: lat·tə·ḇū·nāh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">to understanding,</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a></span><br />let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Proverbs 8:1-5</a></span><br />Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15</a></span><br />The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17</a></span><br />Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-34.htm">Psalm 119:34</a></span><br />Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-125.htm">Psalm 119:125</a></span><br />I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-7.htm">2 Timothy 2:7</a></span><br />Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-27.htm">Psalm 119:27</a></span><br />Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-73.htm">Psalm 119:73</a></span><br />Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;</p><p class="hdg">thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Proverbs 18:1</a></b></br> Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh <i>and</i> intermeddleth with all wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-111.htm">Psalm 119:111,112</a></b></br> Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they <i>are</i> the rejoicing of my heart… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></b></br> Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, <i>even</i> the sure mercies of David.</p><p class="hdg">apply</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-17.htm">Psalm 22:17-21</a></b></br> I may tell all my bones: they look <i>and</i> stare upon me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/25-12.htm">Psalm 25:12</a></b></br> What man <i>is</i> he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way <i>that</i> he shall choose.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a></b></br> So teach <i>us</i> to number our days, that we may apply <i>our</i> hearts unto wisdom.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Apply</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">Applying</a> <a href="/psalms/142-6.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/psalms/130-2.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/119-125.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-33.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-33.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/144-5.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-18.htm">Making</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-26.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Apply</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Applying</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-23.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-13.htm">Making</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">wisdom promises godliness to her children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">and safety from evil company</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">and direction in good ways</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>if you incline your ear to wisdom</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of actively listening and being receptive to wisdom. In the biblical context, wisdom is often personified and is seen as a divine attribute that comes from God (<a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20-23</a>). The act of inclining one's ear suggests a deliberate effort to pay attention and prioritize wisdom over other distractions. In ancient Israel, oral tradition was a primary means of learning, making the act of listening crucial. This aligns with the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-9</a>, where the Israelites are commanded to hear and obey God's commandments. The New Testament echoes this in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, highlighting its divine source.<p><b>and direct your heart to understanding,</b><br>Directing one's heart implies a conscious decision to focus one's inner being on gaining understanding. In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one's emotions, will, and intellect. Understanding goes beyond mere knowledge; it involves discernment and insight into God's ways and purposes. This aligns with the biblical theme that true understanding is a gift from God, as seen in Solomon's request for an understanding heart in <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>. The call to direct the heart suggests an intentional pursuit of God's truth, paralleling the New Testament teaching in <a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a>, where the peace of God guards the hearts and minds of believers. This pursuit of understanding is also seen as a type of Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and understanding (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings in Proverbs are intended to impart wisdom and understanding to the reader.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The original audience of the Proverbs, the people of Israel were encouraged to live according to God's wisdom and understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_and_understanding.htm">Wisdom and Understanding</a></b><br>These are personified throughout Proverbs as valuable treasures to be sought after diligently. They represent divine insight and moral discernment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/attentiveness_to_wisdom.htm">Attentiveness to Wisdom</a></b><br>Actively listen for God's wisdom in your daily life. This requires intentional focus and a willingness to hear God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inclining_the_heart.htm">Inclining the Heart</a></b><br>Cultivate a heart posture that is open and eager to understand God's ways. This involves a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual growth and moral discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discipline.htm">The Role of Discipline</a></b><br>Developing attentiveness and inclination requires discipline. Regular Bible study, prayer, and meditation on God's Word are essential practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Recognize the immense value of wisdom and understanding as treasures that lead to a fulfilling and righteous life. Pursue them with the same diligence as one would pursue material wealth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application.htm">Practical Application</a></b><br>Apply the wisdom and understanding gained from God's Word to everyday decisions and interactions. Let it guide your actions and attitudes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_sexual_desires.htm">What does 'quick to listen, slow to speak' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_anti-intellectualism.htm">What defines anti-intellectualism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_seeker.htm">What defines a seeker?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_definition_of_actual_grace.htm">How can a young man purify his path?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - This verse is dependent on the preceding. <span class="cmt_word">So that thou incline.</span> The literal translation is "to incline;" but the inclination of the ear and the application of the heart follow as a consequence upon the precepting ideas (cf. the Vulgate, <span class="accented">ut audiat sapientiam auris tua</span>). The root idea of the original (<span class="hebrew">קָשַׁב</span> <span class="accented">kashav</span>) is "to sharpen," viz. the ear as expressed, and so to give diligent attention to the precepts of Wisdom. In <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24</a> it is rendered "to regard." <span class="cmt_word">To</span> <span class="cmt_word">apply thine heart</span> is to turn the heart with the whole scope of its powers, in the spirit of humility and eagerness, to understanding. As the ear represents the outward vehicle of communication, so the <span class="cmt_word">heart</span> (<span class="hebrew">לִב</span>, <span class="accented">lev</span>) represents the inward, the intellectual faculty, the mind, or it may mean the affections as suggested by the LXX. <span class="greek">καρδία</span> and Vulgate <span class="accented">cor</span>. <span class="cmt_word">Understanding</span> (<span class="hebrew">תְּבוּנָה</span>, <span class="accented">t'vunah</span>) is here interchanged with "wisdom," which must determine its meaning to some extent. The LXX. interpreters take it as <span class="greek">σύνεσις</span>, the faculty of comprehension." Like <span class="hebrew">בִינָה</span> (<span class="accented">vinah</span>) in <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Proverbs 1:2</a>, the word describes the faculty of distinguishing or separating: but it does not appear to be here used as representing this "as a faculty of the soul, but as a Divine <span class="accented">power</span> which communicates itself as the gift of God" (Delitzsch). A second and perhaps simpler sense may be given to the sentence. It may mean the turning or applying of the heart in an affectionate and loving way, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> with full purpose, to the discrimination of what is right and what wrong. The ideas of wisdom and understanding seem to some extent to be brought forward as personifications. They are things outside of ourselves, to which we have to give attention. Religion appeals not only to the affections, but also to the intellect, as this satisfies all the yearnings of our nature. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/2-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">if you incline</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַקְשִׁ֣יב</span> <span class="translit">(lə·haq·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7181.htm">Strong's 7181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prick up the ears, hearken</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your ear</span><br /><span class="heb">אָזְנֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·zə·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽחָכְמָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥā·ḵə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and direct</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּטֶּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(taṭ·ṭeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֝בְּךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to understanding,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַתְּבוּנָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lat·tə·ḇū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:2 So as to turn your ear (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 2:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 2:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>