The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Parallel translations
- WEB The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- KJV The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
- BSB The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
- NKJV The heart of the prudent 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 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 1:5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.
- Prov 15:14The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
- Luke 10:39She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
- Prov 1:5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
- Prov 4:7Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
- 1 Kgs 3:9Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”
- Prov 9:9Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
- Prov 23:23Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
- Ps 119:97–104How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
- Prov 4:5Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don’t forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.
- Prov 10:14Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
- 2 Tim 3:15–17From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
- Luke 8:8–10Other fell into the good ground, and grew, and produced one hundred times as much fruit.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has 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.