Bow Down Your Ear and Hear - Proverbs 22:17

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse seventeen of Proverbs Solomon said, “bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise” where we read,

Bow down your ear, and heart the words of the wise,

and apply your heart unto my knowledge.

The verse begins, “Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, ...” Solomon began with the words, “bow down your ear” or “stretch out, extend, offer and incline your, the readers and listeners to Solomon's words, physical ears for hearing and perceiving”, “and hear the words” which means “and give attention to and have interest in the speeches, utterances and declarations” “of the wise” or “belonging to people who are skillful, shrewd and prudent”. Solomoninstructed his readers and listeners to extend their physical ears for perceiving and giving attention to the declarations of people who are skillful and prudent. 

The verse continues, “... and apply your heart unto my knowledge.” Solomon added the words, “and apply your heart” or “and put, set, station, appoint and fix your, the people reading and listening to Solomon's words', soul, mind, will, desires, living being, conscience and seat of emotions and affections” “unto my knowledge” which means “toward my, Solomon's, perception, skill, discernment, understanding and wisdom”. Solomon directed his readers and listeners to fix and set their listening upon his perception and understanding. 

When we consider Solomon's words in this verse, we understand his desire for people to listen to what the skillful and prudent have to say, and they should fix their souls upon his understanding. Solomon was the wisest man to live, (See 1 Kings 3:12) and those who listen to him are greatly benefitted. God gave Solomon his wisdom, and God loves and cares for us more than anyone else. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us to attend carefully to the wisdom and understanding that He provides. 

Next time Solomon says, “it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".