1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

What is he saying here? Accept his words. Hear them, accept them as true. Store his commands within. Own them. Accept them. Renew your mind. Absorb and become.

2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

Turning your ear to wisdom implies it is not already turned. Applying your heart implies effort. Ever hear a parent, teacher, or mentor tell you to apply yourself? This is what they mean. It’s not enough to hear wisdom. Earnestly pursue understanding it with your heart.

3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.