Drink Devotional Method: Listening to the Words of the Wise (Proverbs 22)

Today, we turn to Proverbs chapter 22, where God calls us not just to hear, but to truly listen and apply His wisdom. One verse in particular, Proverbs 22:17, stands out as a divine invitation: “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.”

D – Devotional Reading

Proverbs 22 (King James Version)

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.
15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

R – Reflection

Proverbs 22:17 speaks directly to me. “Bow down thine ear” reminds me to humble myself—to truly listen, not just with my ears, but with my whole heart. In a world filled with loud voices and distractions, it’s easy to skim scripture or hear godly advice without letting it sink in.

God is calling me to more than just hearing—He wants my heart to apply what He reveals. That means acting on His wisdom, not merely admiring it. When I genuinely listen to the wise—especially His Word—I position myself to grow in discernment, peace, and obedience.

I – Instruction

Proverbs 22:17 gives two clear commands: “bow down thine ear” and “apply thine heart.” These are not passive suggestions—they call for active humility and obedience. I must intentionally lower my pride and open my heart to God's truth. This verse also holds a promise: if I choose to listen and apply God’s wisdom, I gain access to His knowledge—the kind that shapes my life in ways no worldly advice can.

N – Now Live It

Today, I will quiet my distractions and spend intentional time with God’s Word. I won’t rush my devotion—I’ll pause, reflect, and listen to the words of the wise. Whether through Scripture, godly counsel, or a sermon, I will bow my ear and incline my heart to obey what I hear.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Father, help me to listen—truly listen. Bow my heart to Your voice. Let me not be a hearer only, but one who applies wisdom with joy and reverence. Teach me to recognize Your truth through Your Word and through the counsel of the wise people You’ve placed in my life. May I grow in knowledge and live it out with grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You may also read our Proverbs 21 Devotional.

What is DRINK Devotional Method?

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with the scripture:

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (Preferably at least 1 chapter).
• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.
• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.
• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown.
• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you’re just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

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