Proverbs 22:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,

NIV: Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,

NASB: Extend your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge;

CSB: Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.

NLT: Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.

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

NKJV: Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;

The extensive collection of wisdom which came before this verse is attributed directly to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). Scholars suggest the thirty proverbs given between here and Proverbs 24:22 were compiled from the sayings of other wise men (Proverbs 22:20–21). Solomon exhorts readers to give careful attention to these proverbs and put them into practice (Proverbs 22:17–19).

It is important to not merely hear God's Word, but also to obey it. The apostle James writes, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). Jesus said, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). The comparison indicates that hearing and applying Jesus' teachings enables a person to withstand trials and temptations. Simply hearing Jesus' words without obeying them is like someone who knows the best place to build a house but chooses an inferior location. This leaves a person vulnerable to the trials and temptations that buffet him.

Proverbs 22:17–21 presents an appeal to listen to further collected wisdom. This introduces the next section using the phrase "the words of the wise." Solomon urges his audience to hear and apply them. In contrast to the preceding comments, these proverbs are longer and more interconnected.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 4/28/2024 8:07:23 PM