"Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.–Proverbs 22:17

Please take a few moments to think about the above text of Scripture, as you sit and prepare your heart for worship. These are the very words of God, and a very practical command to any who know Him in truth.

We come together as a body to worship Him as God, and receive from Him that instruction which is essential to the eternal good of our souls. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in the Lord Jesus Christ, Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Outside of Christ, there is no wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, or redemption, I Corinthians 1:30.

Important and vital matters require determination and planning. In all of our "getting" in this life, purpose to make hearing the Gospel a priority. Our text uses three key words to underscore this truth.

1. We are to bow down the ear. This is a metaphor for "listening carefully." Picture in your mind the scout with his ear to the ground, listening for the hoof beats of the oncoming horses. He listens carefully and quietly. Bowing down the ear is also a term of submission. When a servant would come before the king, he would come and prostrate himself with his head turned, and his ear touching the ground. This was a sign that he was in submission to the will of the king and ready to receive his word. This is how we come before God Almighty.

2. We are to hear the words of the wise. To hear means to listen, assimilate, and obey. It is not enough just to hear the Gospel. We are to receive it in the heart and confess it with the mouth. When Christ is revealed in the heart, He tempers everything we do and say. His glory, His righteousness, and His grace will eminate from our hearts to our walk and talk, Psalm 71:16.

3. We are to apply our hearts to knowledge. We spend our lives learning those things that are essential to our earthly well-being. We will do the same regarding our eternal well-being, in seeking after the Lord Jesus Christ. It is important to care for our bodies and minds, and manage well what the Lord has given us. Nevertheless, in all of this, give priority to knowing Him, from whom all blessings flow. What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose His own soul? Mark 8:36.