Proverbs 18:15
Proverbs 18:15 in Multiple Translations
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge.
A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction.
Intelligent people are always wanting to learn more; wise people [SYN] are not content with what they already know.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 18:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ב
נָ֭בוֹן
יִקְנֶה
דָּ֑עַת
וְ/אֹ֥זֶן
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
תְּבַקֶּשׁ
דָּֽעַת
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
נָ֭בוֹן
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Niphal
יִקְנֶה
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
וְ/אֹ֥זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Conj | N-fs
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
תְּבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
דָּֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:15
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
נָ֭בוֹן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
יִקְנֶה
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וְ/אֹ֥זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
תְּבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
דָּֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:15
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
13He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. 17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:5 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:14 | A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:5 | let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel |
| 4 | 1 Kings 3:9 | 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?” |
| 5 | Psalms 119:97–104 | Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. |
| 6 | Luke 10:39 | She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. |
| 7 | Proverbs 9:9 | Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 8 | Proverbs 23:23 | Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. |
| 9 | Proverbs 4:7 | Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:5 | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. |
Proverbs 18:15 Summary
Proverbs 18:15 tells us that people who are wise and discerning are always looking to learn and grow in their understanding of the world and of God. This means being curious, asking questions, and seeking out knowledge and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 119:66. By having a discerning heart and seeking knowledge, we can make better decisions and live more wisely, trusting in God's guidance and sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. As we seek to apply this verse to our lives, we can remember that wisdom and knowledge are gifts from God, and that we should always seek to use them to honor and glorify Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a discerning heart in Proverbs 18:15?
A discerning heart is one that is able to distinguish between good and evil, and seeks to acquire knowledge and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 18:15 and also in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
How can I develop a heart that acquires knowledge like in Proverbs 18:15?
Developing a heart that acquires knowledge involves seeking wisdom and understanding through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking guidance from wise mentors, as encouraged in Proverbs 9:10 and Psalm 119:66.
What is the role of the ear of the wise in Proverbs 18:15?
The ear of the wise is one that listens carefully and seeks out knowledge and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 18:15, and is also encouraged in James 1:19, where we are told to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
How does Proverbs 18:15 relate to my everyday life?
Proverbs 18:15 relates to our everyday life by reminding us to seek knowledge and understanding in all areas of life, whether it be in our relationships, work, or personal pursuits, and to be wise and discerning in our decision-making, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek more knowledge and understanding?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is discerning and wise, like the one described in Proverbs 18:15?
- What are some ways I can seek out knowledge and understanding, and how can I apply them to my life?
- How can I balance the need to acquire knowledge with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge,.... More knowledge; for he must have some, and a considerable share, to be denominated "prudent", whether in things natural, civil, or spiritual: and such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. The heart (the understanding combined with the will) of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge, by employing his thoughts and studies upon it. The ear of the wise getteth knowledge, by a greedy and diligent attention to those from whom he may learn it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:15
Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.Ver. 15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge.] Such as can keep the bird singing in their bosom, and are free from inward perturbations, these by meditating on the good word of God, and by listening to the wholesome words of others, get and gather knowledge; that is, great store of all sorts of knowledge, that which is divine especially, and tends to the perfecting of the soul.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:15
15. the heart … the ear] While “the heart” within, like some busy workman in his chamber is acquiring knowledge, “the ear” without is no less on the alert in accumulating fresh materials to increase the store.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:15
With the wise and prudent there is no loss of time. “Heart” and “ear” - the mind working within, or gathering from without materials for its thought - are, through this channel or that, ever gaining knowledge.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:15
15. Getteth knowledge — Comp. Proverbs 14:33 to Proverbs 15:14. “Wisdom gathers wisdom… A wood gathers wood, like all vegetable growths.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:15
| Sermon | Description | |
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Locks & Keys by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those i |
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Learning From the "Masters" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of learning from literary 'masters' to enhance our speaking and writing skills. He explains that effective communication involves elements like |
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Some New Mystery Bagged by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the tendency of some Christians to seek out new and obscure teachings instead of focusing on the foundational truths of the faith. He warns against the allure |
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Read or Get Out of the Ministry by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning for ministers, drawing on wisdom from figures like Joseph H. Smith and John Wesley, who advocated for reading widely to e |
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Be Widely Read by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being widely read for Christians, particularly ministers, to effectively teach and guide their congregations. He warns against the dangers o |
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On Composing Papers by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the importance of believers actively engaging in the process of composing papers and articles that reflect their understanding of God. He encourages a creative |
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Reading That Incites Thinking by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and self-education in his sermon 'Reading That Incites Thinking.' He recounts a conversation between Dr. Samuel Johnson an |