if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, turn your earThe phrase "turn your ear" suggests an intentional act of listening and paying attention. In the Hebrew context, the word for "turn" (natah) implies a deliberate inclination or bending towards something. This is not passive hearing but an active, conscious decision to focus on wisdom. In ancient Israel, wisdom was often passed down orally, so listening was a crucial skill. This phrase encourages believers to be proactive in seeking wisdom, much like a student who leans in to catch every word of a teacher. to wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (chokmah) encompasses not just knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in daily life. In the biblical context, wisdom is deeply connected to the fear of the Lord and living in accordance with His will. It is both a divine gift and a human pursuit. The book of Proverbs often personifies wisdom as a woman calling out to those who will listen, emphasizing its accessibility and desirability. This phrase invites believers to pursue wisdom as a precious treasure that guides righteous living. and apply your heart
"Apply your heart" involves more than just intellectual assent; it requires a deep, heartfelt commitment. The Hebrew word for "heart" (leb) refers to the inner self, including mind, will, and emotions. To apply one's heart is to engage fully and sincerely, aligning one's innermost being with the pursuit of understanding. This phrase underscores the importance of sincerity and dedication in the quest for spiritual insight, urging believers to invest their whole selves in the process. to understanding
The term "understanding" (binah) in Hebrew signifies discernment and insight. It involves the ability to see beyond the surface and grasp the deeper meaning of things. Understanding is closely linked to wisdom, as it enables one to make sound judgments and decisions. In the biblical narrative, understanding is often portrayed as a divine gift that leads to righteous living and the avoidance of folly. This phrase calls believers to seek a deeper comprehension of God's ways, encouraging them to cultivate a discerning spirit that aligns with His truth. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings in Proverbs are intended to impart wisdom and understanding to the reader. 2. IsraelThe original audience of the Proverbs, the people of Israel were encouraged to live according to God's wisdom and understanding. 3. Wisdom and UnderstandingThese are personified throughout Proverbs as valuable treasures to be sought after diligently. They represent divine insight and moral discernment. Teaching Points Attentiveness to WisdomActively listen for God's wisdom in your daily life. This requires intentional focus and a willingness to hear God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel. Inclining the HeartCultivate a heart posture that is open and eager to understand God's ways. This involves a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual growth and moral discernment. The Role of DisciplineDeveloping attentiveness and inclination requires discipline. Regular Bible study, prayer, and meditation on God's Word are essential practices. The Value of WisdomRecognize the immense value of wisdom and understanding as treasures that lead to a fulfilling and righteous life. Pursue them with the same diligence as one would pursue material wealth. Practical ApplicationApply the wisdom and understanding gained from God's Word to everyday decisions and interactions. Let it guide your actions and attitudes. Bible Study Questions 1. How can you make your ear more attentive to wisdom in your daily routine? 2. What practical steps can you take to incline your heart towards understanding God's Word more deeply? 3. In what ways does the pursuit of wisdom and understanding impact your relationship with others? 4. How do the teachings in James 1:5 and Matthew 7:7-8 reinforce the message of Proverbs 2:2? 5. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How might applying the principles of Proverbs 2:2 have influenced that decision differently? Connections to Other Scriptures James 1:5This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault. It connects to Proverbs 2:2 by emphasizing the importance of seeking divine wisdom. Matthew 7:7-8Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking, which parallels the active pursuit of wisdom and understanding described in Proverbs 2:2. Psalm 119:34The psalmist's prayer for understanding to keep God's law aligns with the heart's inclination towards understanding in Proverbs 2:2. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Apply, Applying, Attend, Attention, Attentive, Cause, Discernment, Ear, Gives, Heart, Incline, Inclinest, Inclining, Making, Turn, Understanding, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 2:2 5017 heart, renewal
8367 wisdom, importance of Proverbs 2:1-2 6251 temptation, resisting Proverbs 2:1-5 4363 silver
8313 nurture Proverbs 2:1-6 8136 knowing God, effects Proverbs 2:1-8 5302 education Library The Beginning and End of Wisdom
PROVERBS ii. 2, 3, 5. If thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. We shall see something curious in the last of these verses, when we compare it with one in the chapter before. The chapter before says, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That if we wish to be wise at all, we must BEGIN by …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of GodThe Red Lamp.
Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead. That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way. The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white. Some of those who read this paper are living in sin. To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Notes on the Fourth Century
Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 2:2 NIVProverbs 2:2 NLTProverbs 2:2 ESVProverbs 2:2 NASBProverbs 2:2 KJV
Proverbs 2:2 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
