So Inclined

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

“Bow” (incline NASB) (5186) is translated thirty-five different ways in the KJV.  The translators of the KJV chose to use it in a way that usually refers to the head or upper body but here they applied it to the ear.  When we bow we are symbolically giving honor to a person or thing.  So here we are using our listening ability to give honor to those expressing wisdom.

This is hard for us today.  In fact, I think it has been hard for people since the beginning.  Adam and Eve chose to ignore the direction of the Lord.  As you go down through the Old Testament you find person after person ignoring the clear proclamation of God.  And they paid a price.

So?  Listening and obeying has a reward.  Ignore and pay a penalty.  Sounds simple.  Hard to do.