Proverbs 22:17 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Proverbs 22:17

The image of 'bowing the ear' is one of attentive, humble listening — physically leaning toward the speaker. Wisdom is not just heard casually; it must be received into the heart and applied. This marks the beginning of a new section in Proverbs (the 'thirty sayings of the wise') that calls for a deliberate posture of receptive learning.

Memory phrase: Listen with your whole heart.

Talk about it: What does it look like to really listen — not just hear?

Prayer: God, help me truly listen and let wisdom reach my heart.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Proverbs 22:17

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Proverbs 22 — OverviewProverbs 22 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleMiscellaneous Maxims.Proverbs 22 — OverviewProverbs 22 · Little Bible — for children and parentsProverbs 22 opens with two of the most important statements in wisdom literature: that a good name is worth more than riches, and that God made both the rich and the poor. It then moves through a rich sweep of themes —…Proverbs 22:1-29Proverbs 22:1-29 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Proverbs 22:17-21Proverbs 22:17-21 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleSolomon here changes his style and manner of speaking. Hitherto, for the most part, since the beginning of ch. x., he had laid down doctrinal truths, and but now and then dropped a word of exhortation, leaving…Proverbs 22:17Proverbs 22:17 · The Pulpit CommentaryIncline thine ear (comp. Proverbs 4:20; Proverbs 5:1). The words of the wise; verba sapientium, Vulgate. "Wise" is in the plural number, showing that this is not a portion of the collection called, 'The Proverbs of…Proverbs 22:17-21Proverbs 22:17-21 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe introduction to this first appendix, containing an exhortation to attend to the words of the wise, an outline of the instruction herein imparted, with a reference to teaching already given.

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Three Lights on the ShoreGod doesn't usually shout; He guides. If you are stuck, check your three lights. If they aren't lined up, the safest thing to do is drift; wait and pray. But if they are aligned, stop hesitating. Trust the Captain and pull into the harbor.Discipledeck devotionThe Most Important JobRyle said the most neglected verse in the Bible might be Proverbs 22:6. We love the promise but skip the work. Train — not hope, not wish, not expose. Train. What are you specifically doing?J.C. Ryle / DiscipleDeck devotionThe Most Important JobRyle said the most neglected verse in the Bible might be Proverbs 22:6. We love the promise but skip the work. Train — not hope, not wish, not expose. Train. What are you specifically doing?Discipledeck devotionSudden and PreparedJoseph walked out of prison ready. Not because of those five minutes, but because of the thirteen years before them. Prepare now for the moment you can't yet seeDiscipledeck sermonOn the Education of ChildrenSermon 95 On the Education of Children “Train up a child in the way wherein he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6. 1. We...John Wesley