Proverbs 22:17

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise ones, and set your heart to my knowledge;

Latin

Inclina aurem tuam, et audi verba sapientium: appone autem cor ad doctrinam meam,

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

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

Notes

Proverbs 22:17–21

Like the prologue in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:2–7) and the introductions to the individual discourses (see Proverbs 1:8–9; 2:1–11), this section starts by encouraging listening. This wisdom goes beyond practical advice; it aims to inspire trust in the Lord.

Proverbs 22:17–24:22

This section is attributed to a group known as the wise, but their identity is unknown. There is a mention of thirty sayings (Proverbs 22:20). The wisdom sayings that follow can be divided into thirty sections. These sections are similar to an Egyptian work called the Instruction of Amenemope, which is also divided into thirty chapters.

Theme notes and profiles

Wisdom

Related verses

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
Proverbs 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
Proverbs 3:1
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
Proverbs 2:2–5
…if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding,
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.
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!”
Proverbs 1:3
…and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity.
Isaiah 55:3
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.
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.
Proverbs 5:1–2
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight,
Ecclesiastes 8:16
When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night—
Proverbs 8:33–34
Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Proverbs, Book of

Topics

Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to

Proverbs 22:17

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Related verses?

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