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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 22 - Verse 17

22:17
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker is urging the listener to pay close attention to the words of the wise and to apply their heart to the knowledge being shared. This is a call to humble oneself and to be receptive to the teachings and advice of those who have wisdom and experience. By bowing down one's ear and truly listening, one can gain valuable insights and guidance that can help them grow and make wise decisions in their own life. The verse emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and willing to learn from others, especially those who have knowledge and understanding to offer. By applying one's heart to such wisdom, one can benefit greatly and improve their own understanding and judgment. This verse serves as a reminder of the value of seeking out the counsel of the wise and being open to receiving advice and knowledge that can help in one's personal growth and development.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the speaker is urging the listener to humble themselves and listen to the words of the wise. The phrase "Bow down thine ear" reflects the idea of showing respect and attentiveness towards wisdom and knowledge. By asking the listener to apply their heart unto the speaker's knowledge, the verse emphasizes the importance of not just passively hearing wisdom, but actively internalizing and applying it in one's life. This verse highlights the value of seeking out wise counsel and being open to learning from those who have knowledge and experience. By doing so, one can gain insight, guidance, and understanding that can enrich their life and help them grow spiritually and emotionally. In a theological interpretation, this verse can be seen as a call to embrace wisdom as a pathway to greater enlightenment and spiritual growth.

American Standard Version

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