King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Pay attention, and listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my knowledge;
Berean Standard Bible:
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge—
American Standard Version:
Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Bow down{H5186} thine ear{H241}, and hear{H8085} the words{H1697} of the wise{H2450}, and apply{H7896} thine heart{H3820} unto my knowledge{H1847}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 23:12
- ¶ Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
Proverbs 3:1
- ¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Psalms 90:12
- ¶ So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.
Proverbs 2:2
- So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;
Proverbs 2:5
- Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
Ecclesiastes 7:25
- I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason [of things], and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness:
Proverbs 1:3
- To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
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Commentary for Proverbs 22:17
Proverbs 22:17 is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, specifically found in the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings and instructions that convey moral and practical advice. This verse serves as an invitation to listen attentively to the wisdom that is being imparted. The exhortation to "bow down thine ear" suggests a posture of humility and eagerness to learn, emphasizing the importance of being receptive to wise teachings.
The historical context of Proverbs is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which was a significant part of the educational and philosophical life of various cultures, including Israel. The book of Proverbs itself is traditionally associated with King Solomon, known for his wisdom, although it is likely that the collection was compiled over a longer period and includes contributions from various sages.
The themes of Proverbs 22:17 are the acquisition of wisdom and the application of knowledge. The verse encourages an intentional and focused engagement with the wisdom being offered ("hear the words of the wise") and a commitment to internalize and integrate this knowledge into one's life ("apply thine heart unto my knowledge"). This suggests that wisdom is not just about intellectual understanding but also about the transformation of the heart and character, leading to righteous living and decision-making.
In summary, Proverbs 22:17 captures the essence of the wisdom literature by urging the reader to adopt a stance of humility and attentiveness to wisdom, and to actively incorporate this wisdom into their lives for personal growth and guidance.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5186
There are 207 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָטָה
Transliteration: nâṭâh
Pronunciation: naw-taw'
Description: a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application; [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. - Strong's Number: H241
There are 652 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֹזֶן
Transliteration: ʼôzen
Pronunciation: o'-zen
Description: from אָזַן; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man); [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. - Strong's Number: H8085
There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁמַע
Transliteration: shâmaʻ
Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [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. - Strong's Number: H1697
There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָּבָר
Transliteration: dâbâr
Pronunciation: daw-baw'
Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; 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. - Strong's Number: H2450
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָכָם
Transliteration: châkâm
Pronunciation: khaw-kawm'
Description: from חָכַם; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful); cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). - Strong's Number: H7896
There are 80 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׁית
Transliteration: shîyth
Pronunciation: sheeth
Description: a primitive root; to place (in a very wide application); apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. - Strong's Number: H3820
There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵב
Transliteration: lêb
Pronunciation: labe
Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [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. - Strong's Number: H1847
There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דַּעַת
Transliteration: daʻath
Pronunciation: dah'-ath
Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly).