Proverbs 22:17

Authorized King James Version

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Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Original Language Analysis

הַ֥ט Bow down H5186
הַ֥ט Bow down
Strong's: H5186
Word #: 1 of 8
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אָזְנְךָ֗ thine ear H241
אָזְנְךָ֗ thine ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 2 of 8
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
וּ֭שְׁמַע and hear H8085
וּ֭שְׁמַע and hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 3 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
דִּבְרֵ֣י the words H1697
דִּבְרֵ֣י the words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 4 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
חֲכָמִ֑ים of the wise H2450
חֲכָמִ֑ים of the wise
Strong's: H2450
Word #: 5 of 8
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
וְ֝לִבְּךָ֗ thine heart H3820
וְ֝לִבְּךָ֗ thine heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 6 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
תָּשִׁ֥ית and apply H7896
תָּשִׁ֥ית and apply
Strong's: H7896
Word #: 7 of 8
to place (in a very wide application)
לְדַעְתִּֽי׃ unto my knowledge H1847
לְדַעְתִּֽי׃ unto my knowledge
Strong's: H1847
Word #: 8 of 8
knowledge

Analysis & Commentary

Loving pleasure leads to poverty; loving 'wine and oil' (luxury and indulgence) prevents wealth accumulation. This warns against hedonism—making pleasure life's organizing principle. Those who prioritize gratification squander resources on temporary satisfaction rather than investing wisely. The principle extends beyond economics to spiritual poverty: those who live for pleasure miss life's true purpose. Delayed gratification, self-control, and proper priorities characterize wisdom. The pleasures at God's right hand far exceed temporal indulgence. Believers should enjoy God's gifts with gratitude but never make comfort or pleasure ultimate. True satisfaction comes from God, not from wine and oil.

Historical Context

Wine and oil represented luxury in ancient Israel. Excessive consumption indicated wasteful living that would deplete resources needed for survival and provision.

Questions for Reflection

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