Do You Look for Knowledge? Do You Listen?

​“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”
                                  Proverbs 18:15 (KJV)
 





Hi friends,

     How are you?  I hope you are well.  It seems a little strange to write something after the Lord’s Prayer Series.  Part of me, finds it difficult to “beat” a topic such as that.  However, all of God’s Word is important and deserves acknowledgement.  So, today’s topic is knowledge.  I figured, since it is the beginning of the school year for many, knowledge would be a great topic to explore.

     The Holy Bible has many verses on knowledge.  This week’s verse is Proverbs 18:15.  First of all, I looked up “prudent” in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online.  It shows four different definitions for prudent.  The one I think fits the best is the following: 
 
     “characterized by, arising from, or showing prudence: such as
a: marked by wisdom or judiciousness”
 
    God considers knowledge important. Here, the words in Proverbs 18:15, say that “the heart of the prudent getteth knowledge”.  So, to me, God is saying that those who are wise and judicious (or even those who want to be wise and judicious) learn.  They know the importance of knowledge.  So, they do what is necessary to learn as much as they can and value education.  If that means study, they study.  If that means, read, they read.  If that means ask questions, they ask questions.  If that means, taking notes, they take notes.  Prudent people do what they need to do to learn.  

    I don’t know for sure the Lord’s meaning behind the second part of this verse.  Maybe it is meant to mean something different to everyone. I like that it states, “…and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”  The word “ear” stands out for me. 
 
    I am used to hearing that a person’s “heart” seeks knowledge.  People often talk about their “heart’s dream” or “passions of the heart” or whatever. Heart is mentioned quite a bit about things we seek, and we do see the “heart” mentioned in the first part of this verse.  Yet, in the second part of the verse it is the “ear” that is mentioned.

    So, to me, the second part of Proverbs 18:15 highlights the importance of listening.  Not everyone possesses skills to listen or values the importance of listening.  However, I think that this verse shows its importance.  I don’t think the word “ear” would have been used and related to wisdom, if listening wasn’t important.  Not only that, but one can learn more by listening than by speaking.

    I also think that if one is listening, one is showing that one is willing to learn.  This isn’t always true when one is talking.  One can say that one wants to learn, but if one is listening, one is showing that one is willing to learn.

    It may also be a reminder that one would be wiser to ask questions and remember to listen to the answer when one is seeking answers.  Sometimes, we want answers, so we ask questions, plead for answers, and pray for help, yet we forget to actually stop and listen for the answers.  Or, if God or someone else tries to give us answers, we say, “yeah, but…” and don’t really listen.  Through our behavior, it seems like we don’t really want answers.  We don’t want to learn.  We need to remember that listening is an important part of learning.
 
Heavenly Father,
    Thank you for giving us words to live by.  Thank you for showing us the importance of learning and knowledge.  Help us to seek knowledge all the days of our life. Also, help us to remember that listening is an important skill and an important part of learning.  I thank you and praise you for your words of wisdom and life.  Help us to learn all that you want us to learn.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective Questions for Proverbs 18:15 (KJV):
*What does Proverbs 18:15 mean to me?
*What are my thoughts about learning?
*Do I value knowledge?
*Do I seek out knowledge?
*Do I pray and ask God what He wants me to know or learn?
*Do I remember to listen, especially when I am searching for answers?

Now, it is your turn.
     I value you being here and value your thoughts.  Please, let me know what you think.  Also, if you enjoy reading the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please consider signing up to receive it in your inbox. (Just check the "faith box" as you sign up.  Thank you.
 

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