CINXE.COM

<!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 22:17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise--apply your mind to my knowledge--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_22_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:17 - Thirty Sayings of the Wise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise--apply your mind to my knowledge--" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/22-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/22-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm" title="Proverbs 22:16">◄</a> Proverbs 22:17 <a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm" title="Proverbs 22:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Extend your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And set your heart on my knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Here are some sayings of people with wisdom, so listen carefully as I teach. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Open your ears, and hear the words of wise people, and set your mind on the knowledge I give you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Listen, and I will teach you what the wise have said. Study their teachings, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my instruction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your heart to my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Bow down thy ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart to my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Incline your ear, and hear words of the wise, "" And set your heart to my knowledge,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Incline thine ear, and hear words of the wise, And thy heart set to my knowledge,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Incline thine ear and hear the words of the wise, and thou shalt set thy heart to my knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Incline thy ear, and hear the words of the wise: and apply thy heart to my doctrine : <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Incline your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Then apply your heart to my doctrine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Words of the Wise: Incline your ear, and hear my words, and let your mind attend to my teaching; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Bend your ear and hear the words of the wise and apply your heart to knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Incline thine ear to the words of wise men: hear also my word, and apply thine heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-17.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=4503" 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/22.htm">Thirty Sayings of the Wise</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: haṭ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">Incline</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·nə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">your ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ū·šə·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">and hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the words</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise—</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: tā·šîṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">apply</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wə·lib·bə·ḵā (Conj-w:: 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 mind</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: lə·ḏa‘·tî (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">to my knowledge—</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.…<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/1-19.htm">James 1:19-21</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. / Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9-11</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. / With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. / I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-47.htm">Luke 6:47-49</a></span><br />I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. / But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1</a></span><br />We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2-3</a></span><br />Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a></span><br />Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-31.htm">John 8:31-32</a></span><br />So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. / Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Psalm 78:1-4</a></span><br />A Maskil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth. / I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, / that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:13</a></span><br />And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.</p><p class="hdg">bow</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2-5</a></b></br> So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, <i>and</i> apply thine heart to understanding; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Proverbs 5:1,2</a></b></br> My son, attend unto my wisdom, <i>and</i> bow thine ear to my understanding: … </p><p class="hdg">and hear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Proverbs 1:3</a></b></br> To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1</a></b></br> My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4-8</a></b></br> He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live… </p><p class="hdg">apply</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Proverbs 23:12</a></b></br> Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.</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><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25</a></b></br> I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason <i>of things</i>, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness <i>and</i> madness:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Apply</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-19.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-13.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Apply</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-15.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-3.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-17.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-27.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</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/22.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/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of active listening and receptivity to wisdom. In the biblical context, wisdom is often personified and is seen as a divine attribute. The call to "incline your ear" suggests a deliberate effort to pay attention, similar to the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, which calls for Israel to hear and obey. The "words of the wise" can be understood as teachings that align with God's truth, often associated with the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. Historically, wisdom was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and the wise were often sought for counsel. This phrase encourages the reader to seek out and heed the counsel of those who possess godly wisdom.<p><b>apply your mind to my knowledge—</b><br>This part of the verse calls for an active engagement of the intellect and heart with the teachings being presented. The term "apply" suggests a diligent and intentional effort to understand and internalize knowledge. In the biblical sense, knowledge is not merely intellectual but is deeply connected to living in accordance with God's will. This aligns with the biblical theme that true understanding comes from God (<a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a>). The phrase "my knowledge" indicates a personal impartation of wisdom, possibly from a teacher or a father figure, reflecting the traditional method of passing down wisdom through generations. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of divine knowledge and wisdom, as referenced in <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>, where it states that in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."<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 the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often focus on imparting wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>This refers to those who possess godly wisdom, often seen as teachers or mentors in the faith community who impart knowledge and understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom much of the Old Testament wisdom literature was originally addressed, providing a cultural and historical context for the teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a></b><br>Actively listening to the words of the wise is crucial for gaining understanding and wisdom. This requires humility and a willingness to learn.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/application_of_knowledge.htm">Application of Knowledge</a></b><br>It is not enough to merely hear wisdom; one must also apply it. This involves a deliberate effort to incorporate godly principles into daily life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mentorship.htm">The Role of Mentorship</a></b><br>Seeking guidance from those who are wise in the faith can provide valuable insights and help in spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_teachable_spirit.htm">Cultivating a Teachable Spirit</a></b><br>A teachable spirit is open to correction and eager to learn, recognizing that wisdom is a lifelong pursuit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_connection_between_heart_and_mind.htm">The Connection Between Heart and Mind</a></b><br>True wisdom involves both understanding (mind) and commitment (heart), leading to a life that honors God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_live_wisely_per_amenemope.htm">How should one live wisely according to Amenemope?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_christians_treat_foes.htm">What does 'a merry heart does good like medicine' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_christian_rationalism.htm">What defines Christian Rationalism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_nosiness.htm">What does the Bible say about being nosy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>4.AN INTRODUCTION, CONTAINING AN EXHORTATION TO "HEAR THE WORDS OF THE WISE," SERVING AS A HEADING TO <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm" title="Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:">Proverbs 22:22</a> to <a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm" title="For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both?">Proverbs 24:22</a> (<a href="/context/proverbs/22-17.htm" title="Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.">Proverbs 22:17-21</a>).<p>(17) <span class= "bld">Hear the words of the wise.--</span>Comp. chap 1:6. As "wise" is in the plural number, it would seem as if the following section contained proverbs written by others than Solomon, though they may have been collected by him. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm" title="These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.">Proverbs 24:23</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17-ch. 24:22.</span> - Part IV. FIRST APPENDIX TO THE FIRST GREAT COLLECTION, containing "words of the wise." <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 17-21.</span> - The introduction to this first appendix, containing an exhortation to attend to the words of the wise, an outline of the instruction herein imparted, with a reference to teaching already given. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Incline thine ear</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20</a>; <a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Proverbs 5:1</a>). <span class="cmt_word">The words of the wise;</span> <span class="accented">verba sapientium</span>, Vulgate. "Wise" is in the plural number, showing that this is not a portion of the collection called, 'The Proverbs of Solomon' (<a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs 10:1</a>), but a distinct work. (For the term, see note on Proverbs 1:6.) <span class="cmt_word">My knowledge.</span> The knowledge which I impart by bringing to notice these sayings of wise men. Septuagint, "Incline (<span class="greek">παράβαλλε</span>) thine ear to the words of wise men, and hear my word, and apply thine heart, that thou mayest know that they are good." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-17.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">Incline</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֥ט</span> <span class="translit">(haṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - 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 ear</span><br /><span class="heb">אָזְנְךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·zə·nə·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">and hear</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֭שְׁמַע</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the words</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wise—</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲכָמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">apply</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּשִׁ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(tā·šîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your mind</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝לִבְּךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lib·bə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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 my knowledge—</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדַעְתִּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:17 Turn your ear and listen to (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:18" /></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>