My son, attend unto my wisdom,
And bow thine ear to my understanding:
That thou mayest regard discretion,
And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
Throughout the book, the need of more than casual attention to the words of wisdom is enforced. To hear with no thought of heeding, is not what is contemplated; but the bowing of the ear to understanding, in order that discretion may be regarded and knowledge kept.
That servant which knew his Lord’s will, and did it not was to be beaten with many stripes.
When God Stoops to make known His will, it should be esteemed not merely as a duty, but as privilege to obey.
(Commentary by H.A. Ironside)