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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Proverbs 22  › Proverbs 22:17

Proverbs 22:17

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Proverbs 22:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge—

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let your ear be bent down for hearing my words, and let your heart give thought to knowledge.

Free Bible Version FBV

Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and think carefully about my teachings—

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Incline thine eare, and heare the wordes of the wise, and apply thine heart vnto my knowledge.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Incline thine ear, and hear words of the wise, And thy heart set to my knowledge,

World English Bible WEB

Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Bow down thy ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart to my knowledge.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Incline thy ear, and hear the words of the wise: and apply thy heart to my doctrine:

Translation for Translators T4T

Now listen [MTY] to what wise people have said; think carefully about what I am teaching you.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:17

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 22:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הַ֥ט אָזְנְ/ךָ֗ וּ֭/שְׁמַע דִּבְרֵ֣י חֲכָמִ֑ים וְ֝/לִבְּ/ךָ֗ תָּשִׁ֥ית לְ/דַעְתִּֽ/י
הַ֥ט nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אָזְנְ/ךָ֗ ʼôzen H241 ear N-fs | Suff
וּ֭/שְׁמַע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
דִּבְרֵ֣י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp
חֲכָמִ֑ים châkâm H2450 wise Adj
וְ֝/לִבְּ/ךָ֗ lêb H3820 heart Conj | N-ms | Suff
תָּשִׁ֥ית shîyth H7896 to set V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/דַעְתִּֽ/י daʻath H1847 knowledge Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:17

הַ֥ט nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אָזְנְ/ךָ֗ ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fs | Suff
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.
וּ֭/שְׁמַע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
דִּבְרֵ֣י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
חֲכָמִ֑ים 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.
וְ֝/לִבְּ/ךָ֗ lêb H3820 "heart" Conj | N-ms | Suff
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.
תָּשִׁ֥ית shîyth H7896 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
לְ/דַעְתִּֽ/י daʻath H1847 "knowledge" Prep | N-fs | Suff
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 22:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
2 Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
3 Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
4 Proverbs 1:3 and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity.
5 Proverbs 2:2–5 if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, 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.
6 Ecclesiastes 7:25 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.
7 Proverbs 8:33–34 Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
8 Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.
9 Matthew 17:5 While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
10 Proverbs 5:1–2 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

Proverbs 22:17 Summary

This verse is encouraging us to pay attention to wise advice and to think carefully about what we are learning, as we see in Proverbs 1:8 and Psalm 119:66. It's like tuning in to a radio station - we need to adjust our ears to hear the right frequency, and then we need to focus our minds to understand what we're hearing, as taught in Matthew 13:9 and Mark 4:24. By doing so, we can gain wisdom and insight that will help us make good decisions and live a life that pleases God, as stated in Proverbs 9:10 and Colossians 1:9-10. As we seek wisdom, we must also remember to trust in the Lord, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to incline my ear to the words of the wise?

Inclining your ear means to intentionally listen and pay attention to wise counsel, as Solomon also advises in Proverbs 1:8, and to be receptive to guidance from those who have gained wisdom through experience and a deep understanding of God's Word, such as the prophets and apostles in the Bible, like Isaiah 55:3 and Acts 3:22-23.

How do I apply my mind to knowledge?

Applying your mind to knowledge involves focusing your thoughts and intellect on understanding and retaining the teachings of the wise, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and 2 Timothy 2:7, and being diligent in your pursuit of wisdom, as seen in Psalm 119:66 and Ephesians 5:17.

Why is it important to hear the words of the wise?

Hearing the words of the wise is crucial because it helps you gain wisdom, insight, and understanding, as stated in Proverbs 9:10 and Proverbs 24:3-4, which are essential for making informed decisions and living a virtuous life, as taught in Deuteronomy 4:6 and James 1:5.

What is the significance of the phrase 'my knowledge' in this verse?

The phrase 'my knowledge' refers to the wisdom and understanding that comes from God, as stated in Proverbs 2:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:30, and emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom that is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and ways, as seen in Psalm 119:66 and Proverbs 1:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can intentionally listen to and learn from the wise, such as through reading Scripture, attending church, or seeking guidance from a mentor?
  2. How can I apply the teachings of the wise to my everyday life, and what are some practical steps I can take to retain and act on this knowledge?
  3. What are some common pitfalls or distractions that can prevent me from hearing and applying the words of the wise, and how can I overcome these obstacles?
  4. How can I balance the pursuit of wisdom with the need to trust in the Lord, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 9:23-24?
  5. What role does humility play in inclining my ear to the words of the wise, and how can I cultivate a humble and receptive heart, as described in Proverbs 22:4 and 1 Peter 5:6?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:17

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,.... Here begins a new part or division of this book.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:17

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:17

Of the wise; of wise and holy men of God. Apply thine heart; thirst after it, and give of thyself to the diligent study of it. My knowledge; the knowledge of God, and of thy several duties, which I am here delivering to thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:17

Proverbs 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.Ver. 17. Bow down thine ear and hear.] Here begins, say some interpreters, the third book of Solomon’ s Proverbs - as the second began at chapter ten. And indeed he here seems to assume a new kind of bespeaking his son, different from his discourse in the preceding twelve chapters; and much like that in the first nine. And apply thy heart, &c.] q.d., Call up the ears of thy mind to the ears of thy body, that one sound may pierce both at once; otherwise thou wilt be like the wolf in the fable: thou wilt never attain to any more divine learning than to spell Pater, father, and when thou shouldst come to put together, and to put thy heart to it, as Solomon’ s phrase here is, instead of Pater father thou wilt say Agnus, thy mind running a-madding after profit and pleasures of the world, as hath been once before noted.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:17

4. AN , AN TO “HEAR THE WORDS OF THE WISE,” SERVING AS A HEADING TO Proverbs 22:22 to Proverbs 24:22 (Proverbs 22:17-21). (17) Hear the words of the wise.—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. Proverbs 24:23.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:17

Verse 17. Bow down thine ear] From this to the end of Pr 22:21 are contained, not proverbs, but directions how to profit by that which wisdom has already delivered; the nature of the instruction, and the end for which it was given. I shall give a paraphrase of this very important passage: - I. Solomon addresses his pupils on the use of his past teachings. See on Proverbs 22:6. 1. The wise man speaks; and all his words, not merely his sentiments, are to be carefully heard. 2. He speaks knowledge - gives doctrines true in themselves, and confirmed by observation and experience. 3. These are to be heard with humility and deep attention: "Bow down thine ear." 4. They must not only be heard, but meditated and pondered: "Apply thine heart to my knowledge."

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:17

III. Second Collection of ProverbsChap. Proverbs 22:17 to Proverbs 24:22A short Preface or Introduction, Proverbs 22:17-21. The body of the Collection, Proverbs 22:22 to Proverbs 24:22. 17–21. This short paragraph is at once a conclusion and an introduction, a pause in the continuous teaching of the same Teacher, in which he sums up what had gone before, and opens the way for further instruction. In our present Hebrew text there is no break between the 16th and 17th verses of this chapter, but there is a slight break, to which however no special importance can be attached, between the 21st and 22nd verses. The R.V. is so printed as to indicate the commencement of a new section at Proverbs 22:17, and of a fresh paragraph at Proverbs 22:22. On the characteristics of the Section see Introduction, pp. 36, 37.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:17

This is the commencement of a new and entirely distinct section, opening, after the fashion of Pro 3:1, Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 4:1; Proverbs 7:1; with a general exhortation Proverbs 22:17-21 and passing on to special precepts.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:17

THE WORDS OF THE WISE.17. Bow down thine ear — Listen with reverence and attention. My knowledge — That which I communicate — my instruction: with special reference to that about to be imparted.

Sermons on Proverbs 22:17

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn
Leonard Ravenhill Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past sins and the transformation he experienced when he realized his own depravity. He mentions going to jail multiple times and living
Rolfe Barnard God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina
Leonard Ravenhill Eternity by Leonard Ravenhill The sermon transcript discusses the urgency of preaching the gospel of the kingdom in every land before the glorious day of the son of Manuel's appearance. It emphasizes the need t
Leonard Ravenhill "Stamp Eternity on My Eye Balls" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the profound impact that a true understanding of eternity and judgment can have on our lives, suggesting that if we truly grasped these concepts, we would be
A.W. Tozer (John - Part 42): Life After Death - the Death and Raising of Lazarus by A.W. Tozer The video is a summary of a sermon by a German theologian named von Hügel. He emphasizes that the only things that seem to move people's emotions in this world are worldly things l
John Piper (Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills by John Piper In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without con
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