New International Version The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. New Living Translation Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. English Standard Version An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Berean Standard Bible The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. Berean Literal Bible The heart of an understanding one acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise ones seeks knowledge. King James Bible The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. New King James Version The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. New American Standard Bible The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. NASB 1995 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. NASB 1977 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Legacy Standard Bible The heart of the understanding acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Amplified Bible The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge. Berean Annotated Bible The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. Christian Standard Bible The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. Holman Christian Standard Bible The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. American Standard Version The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Contemporary English Version Everyone with good sense wants to learn. English Revised Version The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. GOD'S WORD® Translation The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge. Good News Translation Intelligent people are always eager and ready to learn. International Standard Version The mind of a discerning person gains knowledge, while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge. NET Bible The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge. New Heart English Bible The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Webster's Bible Translation The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. World English Bible The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe heart of the intelligent gets knowledge, "" And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Berean Literal Bible The heart of an understanding one acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise ones seeks knowledge. Young's Literal Translation The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Smith's Literal Translation The heart of him understanding will obtain knowledge and the ear of the wise will seek knowledge. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction. Catholic Public Domain Version A prudent heart shall possess knowledge. And the ear of the wise seeks doctrine. New American Bible The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. New Revised Standard Version An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe heart of the prudent acquires wisdom; and the ear of the wise listens to knowledge. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated An ordered heart possesses wisdom, and the ear of the wise listens to knowledge. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Brenton Septuagint Translation The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Selfishness of the Unfriendly…14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? 15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. 16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.… Cross References The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, Proverbs 2:2-5 if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, / if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, … Proverbs 3:13-14 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. and the ear of the wise seeks it out. Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Proverbs 15:31-33 He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. / He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. / The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Proverbs 2:3-6 if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, / if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. … Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Colossians 1:9-10 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, / so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Proverbs 15:14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 19:8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. 2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things. Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. Ecclesiastes 7:25 I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness. Treasury of Scripture The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Proverbs 4:5,7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth… Proverbs 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Jump to Previous Acquires Discerning Ear Ears Gets Getteth Good Heart Intelligent Mind Prudent Searching Seek Seeketh Seeks Sense WiseJump to Next Acquires Discerning Ear Ears Gets Getteth Good Heart Intelligent Mind Prudent Searching Seek Seeketh Seeks Sense WiseProverbs 18 1. A fool delights not in understandingThe heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, Discernment begins in the inner person, where thought, judgment, and desire are directed toward what is true. Those who fear God do not remain satisfied with surface understanding but seek knowledge that enables them to recognize what is right and act wisely. Pro 2:2-5 if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart… and the ear of the wise seeks it out. Wisdom also requires a willingness to listen and learn; the ear symbolizes this readiness. The wise humbly receive instruction, consider correction, and actively pursue understanding rather than relying on their own judgment. Such diligence leads them toward the knowledge that God gives and finds its fullness in Christ. Pro 1:5 let the wise listen and gain instruction,… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often focus on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. 2. The Discerning Heart This refers to individuals who possess the ability to judge well and make sound decisions. In the Hebrew context, the "heart" (lev) often represents the center of thought and moral decision-making. 3. The Wise Ear Symbolizes those who are attentive and eager to learn. The "ear" (ozen) in Hebrew culture is often associated with obedience and the willingness to listen. Teaching Points The Pursuit of Knowledge is a Godly EndeavorAs believers, we are called to actively seek knowledge and understanding. This pursuit is not merely academic but is deeply spiritual, aligning our hearts and minds with God's truth. Discernment Requires Active Engagement A discerning heart is not passive. It requires active engagement with God's Word and the world around us. We must be intentional in our efforts to grow in wisdom. Listening is a Key Component of Wisdom The wise ear is one that listens more than it speaks. In a world full of noise, we must cultivate the discipline of listening—both to God and to wise counsel. Wisdom is Both a Gift and a Responsibility While wisdom is a gift from God, it also comes with the responsibility to apply it in our lives. We must use our knowledge to make decisions that honor God and serve others. Continuous Growth in Knowledge The journey of acquiring knowledge is ongoing. We should never become complacent but continually seek to grow in our understanding of God and His creation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:15?2. How can we cultivate a "discerning heart" as mentioned in Proverbs 18:15? 3. What practical steps help us "acquire knowledge" according to Proverbs 18:15? 4. How does Proverbs 18:15 relate to James 1:5 about seeking wisdom? 5. Why is it important for "the ear of the wise" to seek knowledge? 6. How can we apply Proverbs 18:15 in our daily decision-making process? 7. How does Proverbs 18:15 emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in faith? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 18:15? 9. How does Proverbs 18:15 relate to the pursuit of wisdom in a modern world? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18? Verse 15. - The first clause is similar to Proverbs 15:14; the second gives a kind of explanation of the former - the understanding of the wise man is always expanding and increasing its stores, because his ear is open to instruction, and his ability grows by wholesome exercise (comp. Proverbs 1:5). Daath, "knowledge," which is used in both clauses, the LXX. translates by two words, αἴσθησιν and ἔννοιαν. Proverbs 18:15 paints a two-part picture: an inward disposition (“the heart of the discerning”) and an outward practice (“the ear of the wise”). Together they describe believers who treasure truth, pursue it relentlessly, and listen with obedient hearts. Genuine wisdom is never passive; it hungers for the knowledge God freely supplies and diligently chases after it until mind and life reflect His Word. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The heartלֵ֣ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre of the discerning נָ֭בוֹן (nā·ḇō·wn) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand acquires יִקְנֶה־ (yiq·neh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own knowledge, דָּ֑עַת (dā·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1847: Knowledge and the ear וְאֹ֥זֶן (wə·’ō·zen) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear of the wise חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2450: Wise seeks תְּבַקֶּשׁ־ (tə·ḇaq·qeš-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after it out. דָּֽעַת׃ (dā·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1847: Knowledge Additonal Resources Proverbs 18:15 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 18:15 Bible Gateway Proverbs 18:15 Bible.com Proverbs 18:15 NIV |
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