Proverbs 22:17

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

Proverbs 22:17 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:17

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise
Here begins a new part or division of this book. According to some, the "third"; the "first" ending with ( Proverbs 9:18 ) , the "second" at ( Proverbs 22:16 ) , and a "third", beginning here, and ending with ( Proverbs 24:34 ) . It is certain that what follows from hence to the end of that is written in another style, by way of exhortation, caution; and instruction, and is directed to particular persons: as here an exhortation is made to Solomon's son, or to those that attended his instruction; or rather to the children of Wisdom, that is, Christ; to listen attentively to "the words of the wise"; of Solomon, and other wise men before him, or contemporary with him; or rather of Wisdom and her maidens, Christ, and the wise men sent by him; who are made wise to salvation, and furnished for every good work by him, from whom the words of the wise come; and who speak the wisdom of God in a mystery; and whose doctrines are to be heard and received, not as the word of men, but as the word of God; and apply thine heart unto my knowledge;
the knowledge of divine and spiritual things Christ instructs in, and the knowledge of himself; which is preferable to all other knowledge, and to thousands of gold and silver; and in comparison of which all things are but loss and dung; and therefore should be applied unto with intenseness of mind, and cordially received.

Proverbs 22:17 In-Context

15 Foolishness is bound into the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

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

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, that they may indeed be ready upon thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made it known to thee this day, even to thee!