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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 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_18_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 18:15 - The Selfishness of the Unfriendly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out." /><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/18-15.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/18-15.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/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 15</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="/ad15.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/18-14.htm" title="Proverbs 18:14">◄</a> Proverbs 18:15 <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm" title="Proverbs 18:16">►</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/18.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/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The heart of the understanding acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Everyone with good sense wants to learn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Intelligent people are always eager and ready to learn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The mind of a discerning person gains knowledge, while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the intelligent gets knowledge, "" And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The heart of him understanding will obtain knowledge and the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A prudent heart shall possess knowledge. And the ear of the wise seeks doctrine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the prudent acquires wisdom; and the ear of the wise listens to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An ordered heart possesses wisdom, and the ear of the wise listens to knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the sensible <i>man</i> purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-15.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=3617" 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/18.htm">The Selfishness of the Unfriendly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- 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.">The heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: nā·ḇō·wn (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">of the discerning</a> <a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: yiq·neh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">acquires</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: dā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge,</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: wə·’ō·zen (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">and the ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: tə·ḇaq·qeš- (V-Piel-Imperf-3fs) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">seeks</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: dā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">it out.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.…<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/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3-6</a></span><br />if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, / if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. ...<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/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a></span><br />Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.<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="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9-10</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, / so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a></span><br />A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.<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="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Proverbs 23:12</a></span><br />Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25</a></span><br />I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</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?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a></b></br> A wise <i>man</i> will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5,7</a></b></br> Get wisdom, get understanding: forget <i>it</i> not; neither decline from the words of my mouth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a></b></br> Give <i>instruction</i> to a wise <i>man</i>, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just <i>man</i>, and he will increase in learning.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Acquires</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Getteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/25-26.htm">Acquires</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Getteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-13.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-13.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">A fool delights not in understanding</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'; 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In ancient Hebrew culture, the heart was seen as the seat of wisdom and understanding. The "discerning" person is one who possesses the ability to judge well, to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom as a key virtue, as seen in Solomon's request for a discerning heart to govern the people (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>). The acquisition of knowledge is a proactive pursuit, suggesting that discernment leads to a deeper understanding of God's will and the world. This pursuit is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3-5</a>, where seeking wisdom is likened to searching for hidden treasures.<p><b>and the ear of the wise seeks it out</b><br>The "ear" symbolizes the readiness to listen and learn. In the ancient Near Eastern context, listening was a crucial part of gaining wisdom, as oral tradition was the primary means of transmitting knowledge. The "wise" person is characterized by humility and a willingness to learn from others, including God. This is consistent with the biblical portrayal of wisdom as not merely intellectual but relational and spiritual, as seen in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. The phrase "seeks it out" implies an active, intentional effort to pursue understanding, reflecting the biblical principle that wisdom is not passively received but diligently sought after, as in <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>. This pursuit of wisdom is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often focus on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_discerning_heart.htm">The Discerning Heart</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who possess the ability to judge well and make sound decisions. In the Hebrew context, the "heart" (lev) often represents the center of thought and moral decision-making.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_ear.htm">The Wise Ear</a></b><br>Symbolizes those who are attentive and eager to learn. The "ear" (ozen) in Hebrew culture is often associated with obedience and the willingness to listen.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_knowledge_is_a_godly_endeavor.htm">The Pursuit of Knowledge is a Godly Endeavor</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to actively seek knowledge and understanding. This pursuit is not merely academic but is deeply spiritual, aligning our hearts and minds with God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_requires_active_engagement.htm">Discernment Requires Active Engagement</a></b><br>A discerning heart is not passive. It requires active engagement with God's Word and the world around us. We must be intentional in our efforts to grow in wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_is_a_key_component_of_wisdom.htm">Listening is a Key Component of Wisdom</a></b><br>The wise ear is one that listens more than it speaks. In a world full of noise, we must cultivate the discipline of listening—both to God and to wise counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_is_both_a_gift_and_a_responsibility.htm">Wisdom is Both a Gift and a Responsibility</a></b><br>While wisdom is a gift from God, it also comes with the responsibility to apply it in our lives. We must use our knowledge to make decisions that honor God and serve others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuous_growth_in_knowledge.htm">Continuous Growth in Knowledge</a></b><br>The journey of acquiring knowledge is ongoing. We should never become complacent but continually seek to grow in our understanding of God and His creation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_dand#233;jand#224;_vu.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on d├⌐j├á vu?</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_good_and_evil.htm">What defines the knowledge of good and evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'quick_to_listen,_slow_to_speak'.htm">What does "quick to listen, slow to speak" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - The first clause is similar to <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a>; the second gives a kind of explanation of the former - the understanding of the wise man is always expanding and increasing its stores, because his ear is open to instruction, and his ability grows by wholesome exercise (comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a>). <span class="accented">Daath</span>, "knowledge," which is used in both clauses, the LXX. translates by two words, <span class="greek">αἴσθησιν</span> and <span class="greek">ἔννοιαν</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-15.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">The heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - 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">of the discerning</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֭בוֹן</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḇō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">acquires</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְנֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·neh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> </span><span class="str2">To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּ֑עַת</span> <span class="translit">(dā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the ear</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֹ֥זֶן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ō·zen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<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">of the wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים</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">seeks</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּבַקֶּשׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇaq·qeš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it out.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּֽעַת׃</span> <span class="translit">(dā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine 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/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:16" /></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>