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

PROVERBS 22:17KJV
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Proverbs 22:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 22:17 mean?

Proverbs 22:17 urges the reader to listen carefully to wise advice and to take those teachings to heart, making them a personal part of one’s understanding. The verse highlights the importance of both paying attention to wisdom and making an intentional effort to internalize it.

In this verse, a teacher or sage is addressing a listener, encouraging them to be humble and receptive to instruction. The focus is not just on hearing wise words but on actively applying them to one’s inner life. The verse sets the tone for the following section, which offers practical wisdom for daily living.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 22:17

  • "Bow down" (נָטָה, natah): This word means to bend or incline, often used for physically lowering oneself or paying close attention. Here, it suggests an attitude of humility and readiness to listen, not just casual hearing.
  • "Apply" (שִׁית, shith): This word means to set, place, or direct. In this context, it means to intentionally direct one’s heart (inner self) toward understanding, showing that wisdom requires active effort, not passive reception.
  • "Heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of thought, will, and emotion—not just feelings. Applying your heart means engaging your whole self, not just your mind.

Why Proverbs 22:17 matters

  • Proverbs 22:17 makes clear that wisdom is not automatic; it requires humility, attention, and intentional effort to truly benefit from it.
  • The verse shifts from short, stand-alone proverbs to a longer section of teaching, inviting the reader into a deeper relationship with wisdom.
  • By emphasizing both listening and applying, the verse warns against treating wise sayings as mere information; they are meant to shape character and guide real-life choices.

Where else these words appear

“apply” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 10:20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
  • Psalms 88:6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

“knowledge” Hebrew H1847 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.