The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Parallel translations
- WEB The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- BSB The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
- ESV An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- NKJV The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- NASB The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- NLT Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The wise actively seek and acquire knowledge. A discerning heart and attentive ear are eager to learn.
Overview
This proverb commends the discerning, who pursue knowledge with both heart and ear, ever seeking to grow in understanding. Wisdom is not passive but actively sought by the humble and teachable. Such a posture befits the disciple of Christ, who grows in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10) and treasures the wisdom that is found fully in the Lord.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Jas 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
- Prov 15:14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
- Luke 10:39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
- Prov 1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
- Prov 4:7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
- 1 Kgs 3:9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
- Prov 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
- Prov 23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
- Ps 119:97–104O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
- Prov 4:5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
- Prov 10:14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
- 2 Tim 3:15–17And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Luke 8:8–10And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 18:15 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.