Own It

(Pro 23:12 KJV)  Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

“Instruction” (Discipline NASB) (4148) is a good thing.  It is a focus of Proverbs.  The Hebrew word is used 50 times in the OT.  At least 30 of them are in Proverbs.  The most common translation in the KJV is “instruction.”  Notice though that later in the verse it talks about  “knowledge” (1847).  What is the difference?

Evidently you can get knowledge from listening but this instruction/discipline has to be tied to the heart.  We might talk about internalizing the data or owning it.  There is an idea of correction and chastening in this word.  It is not easy to accept some teachings.  The most important are often the hardest because they make us change how we act and set our priorities.

So?  When you come to worship and study make sure that your heart is ready to receive what is going to be offered.  Two people can attend the same event.  One comes away profoundly touched, the other lightly entertained.  One engaged the heart, the other the ears.