Proverbs 23:12
Proverbs 23:12 in Multiple Translations
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
Apply thy heart unto instruction, And thine ears to the words of knowledge.
Give your heart to teaching, and your ears to the words of knowledge.
Focus your mind on instruction; listen intently to words of knowledge.
Apply thine heart to instruction, and thine eares to the wordes of knowledge.
Bring in to instruction thy heart, And thine ear to sayings of knowledge.
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.
Apply thy heart to instruction, and thy ears to the words of knowledge.
Let thy heart apply itself to instruction: and thy ears to words of knowledge.
Pay attention to what your teachers teach you, and try to learn from the wise things that they say.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָבִ֣יאָ/ה
לַ/מּוּסָ֣ר
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
וְ֝/אָזְנֶ֗/ךָ
לְ/אִמְרֵי
דָֽעַת
הָבִ֣יאָ/ה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לַ/מּוּסָ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
Prep | N-ms
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/אָזְנֶ֗/ךָ
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Conj | N-fd | Suff
לְ/אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
word
Prep | N-mp
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:12
הָבִ֣יאָ/ה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לַ/מּוּסָ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ֝/אָזְנֶ֗/ךָ
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
לְ/אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:12
Context — Saying 12
10Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.
12Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
13Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 5:1–2 | My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. |
| 2 | Proverbs 2:2–6 | 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, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:19 | Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course. |
| 4 | James 1:21–25 | Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 33:31 | So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. |
| 6 | Matthew 13:52 | Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 22:17 | Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge— |
Proverbs 23:12 Summary
This verse reminds us to be intentional about learning and growing, focusing our hearts and minds on gaining wisdom and understanding. It's about being receptive to guidance and instruction, whether from the Bible, like in Psalm 119:105, or from wise mentors and teachers. By applying our hearts to instruction, we can make better decisions and live more virtuously, as encouraged in Proverbs 9:10. Remember, learning is a lifelong process, and being open to 'words of knowledge' is key to spiritual growth and maturity, as seen in 2 Peter 3:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'apply your heart' to something?
To apply your heart means to focus your mind and will on something, giving it your full attention and dedication, as seen in Proverbs 23:12 and similar verses like Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37.
Why is it important to listen to 'words of knowledge'?
Listening to words of knowledge helps us gain wisdom and understanding, which is essential for making good decisions and living a virtuous life, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 119:66.
How can I balance the desire for knowledge with the need for action?
While gaining knowledge is important, it's equally crucial to apply what we've learned, as emphasized in James 1:22 and Matthew 7:24, to ensure that our knowledge translates into wise and righteous living.
Is this verse only talking about formal education or learning?
No, this verse is not limited to formal education; it encompasses all forms of learning and growth, including spiritual guidance and life experiences, as highlighted in Proverbs 9:10 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to apply my heart to instruction and listen more intently to words of knowledge?
- How can I prioritize learning and growth in my daily life, whether through reading, prayer, or seeking wise counsel?
- What are some 'words of knowledge' that I've been neglecting or ignoring, and how can I start to heed them?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to learning and growing, not just in my mind but also in my heart and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:12
Apply thine heart unto instruction,.... To the instruction of parents, and to the instruction of ministers of the word; to the Scriptures, which are profitable to instruction in righteousness; to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:12
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12
Apply thine heart unto instruction; content not thyself with outward hearing or reading of it, but affectionately receive it into thine heart, and lay it up there as choice treasure.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12
Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.Ver. 12. Apply thy heart unto instruction.] Make thine heart to come to it - though never so averse. Call in thy scattered thoughts, and busy them about the best things. Anima dispersa fit minor. This is the wise man’ s counsel to the younger sort. But because sardis plerunque fabulam, few youths will be better advised; therefore he bespeaks their parents and tutors in the next words.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12
12. Heart… ears — Not only hearing the words of “instruction,” but treasuring them up, so that they may influence the future life. Comp. Proverbs 22:19.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Steak and Snake by Carter Conlon | The sermon from Malachi chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of having oil in our lamps, symbolizing the need for spiritual readiness in a darkening world. It warns against the sedu |
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The Wisest Man Who Ever Lived by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's presence and the truth found in the songs sung during the service. The sermon focuses on Proverbs chapter 5 an |
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The End (Acharyth) by Michael L. Brown | Michael L. Brown emphasizes the importance of recognizing the 'Acharit' or the end consequences of our actions, urging believers to remain vigilant against sin and temptation. He s |
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The Peril and Power of Porn by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the critical issue of pornography in his sermon 'The Peril and Power of Porn,' emphasizing the alarming statistics and the spiritual dangers associated with |
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 3 by Will Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true humility and repentance before God, contrasting it with a self-centered mentality and the danger of a mere 'mouth religion' without ge |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith gives fatherly exhortations and advice to his son. He emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in the crowd of drinkers and gluttons, a |