44 A new collection of sayings begins here, forming the fourth section of the book of Proverbs. This collection is not like that of 1:1–9:18; here the introductory material is more personal than 1:1–7, and the style differs, showing great similarity to the Instruction of Amenemope in Egypt (especially the thirty precepts of the sages in 22:17–24:22). Verses 17–21 form the introduction, and then the sayings begin in v. 22. After the thirty sayings are given, there are further sayings in 24:23–34. There is much literature on this material: see W. K. Simpson, e.d., Literature of Ancient Egypt; 412–425; and A. Cody, “Notes on Proverbs 22:21 and 22:23b,” 61 (1980): 418–26.
45 To “incline the ear” means to “listen carefully” (cf. ); the expression is metonymical in that the ear is the instrument for hearing. It is like telling someone to lean over to hear better.
46 Heb “knowledge” (so , ); in this context it refers to the knowledge that is spoken by the wise, hence “instruction.”

In other versions

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;

apply your heart to what I teach,

Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,

and apply your mind to my knowledge.

Listen to the words of the wise;

apply your heart to my instruction.

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise;

you shall apply your heart to my teaching.

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,

And apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Public Domain

Proverbs 22:17