Proverbs 18:15

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 18:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge, etc.] More knowledge; for he must have some, and a considerable share, to be denominated “prudent”, whether in things natural, civil, or spiritual: and such will be heartily desirous of more, and make use of all means to attain it, by which they do come at a large share of it; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge; a wise man seeks to get it by hearing; he listens to what others say, and especially such that are wiser and more knowing than himself: so such as are wise to salvation, as they desire to know more of Christ and of divine things, and make use of all means for that purpose; among the rest, hearken to what Christians, of a superior…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Compare Pro 1:5, Pro 1:15, Pro 1:31).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“With the wise and prudent there is no loss of time. “Heart” and “ear” - the mind working within, or gathering from without materials for its thought - are, through this channel or that, ever gaining knowledge. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 1:5, Pro 4:5, Pro 4:7, Pro 9:9, Pro 10:14, Pro 15:14, Pro 23:23; Kg1 3:9; Psa 119:97-104; Luk 8:8-10, Luk 10:39; Ti2 3:15-17; Jam 1:5 Proverbs 18:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification