Proverbs 5:1
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight,
My son
This phrase is a tender and personal address, indicating a relationship of care and authority. In the Hebrew context, "son" (בְּנִי, beni) is often used in wisdom literature to denote a disciple or learner, not just a biological child. It reflects the intimate and instructional relationship between a teacher and a student, emphasizing the importance of the guidance being offered. The use of "my son" suggests a familial bond, underscoring the responsibility of the elder to impart wisdom and the duty of the younger to receive it.

pay attention
The Hebrew root for "pay attention" (קָשַׁב, qashab) implies an active, intentional listening. It is not merely hearing words but engaging with them, considering their meaning and implications. This phrase calls for a focused and deliberate effort to understand and internalize the wisdom being shared. In the biblical context, paying attention is often linked with obedience and the pursuit of righteousness, suggesting that wisdom requires not just intellectual assent but also practical application.

to my wisdom
"Wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) in the Hebrew Bible is more than knowledge; it is skill in living according to God's design. It encompasses moral and ethical understanding, discernment, and the ability to make godly choices. The speaker claims possession of this wisdom, indicating that it is divinely inspired and trustworthy. In the broader scriptural context, wisdom is personified and is seen as a gift from God, essential for a life that honors Him.

incline your ear
This phrase suggests a posture of humility and eagerness to learn. The Hebrew verb (נָטָה, natah) means to stretch out or extend, indicating an active effort to listen and understand. It conveys the idea of bending one's will and attention towards the speaker, demonstrating a readiness to receive instruction. In the biblical tradition, inclining one's ear is often associated with submission to God's will and openness to His guidance.

to my understanding
"Understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, tebunah) is closely related to wisdom but emphasizes insight and discernment. It involves the ability to see beyond the surface and grasp the deeper truths of a situation. The speaker's understanding is presented as reliable and beneficial, offering clarity and direction. In the context of Proverbs, understanding is portrayed as a vital component of a godly life, enabling individuals to navigate the complexities of the world with integrity and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom and understanding.

2. The Son
Represents the recipient of wisdom, which can be understood as any believer or follower seeking guidance and instruction.

3. Wisdom
In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and is a central theme. It is portrayed as a divine attribute that leads to a righteous and fulfilling life.

4. Understanding
Closely related to wisdom, understanding involves discernment and insight, enabling one to apply knowledge effectively.

5. The Path of Righteousness
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Proverbs often contrasts the path of righteousness with the path of folly.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Listening
Actively listening to wisdom is crucial for spiritual growth and moral integrity. It requires humility and a willingness to learn.

The Role of Parental Guidance
Parents and mentors play a vital role in imparting wisdom. Their experiences and insights are valuable resources for navigating life's challenges.

Wisdom as a Divine Gift
True wisdom comes from God and is rooted in a relationship with Him. Seeking wisdom should be a continual pursuit in a believer's life.

Discernment in Daily Life
Applying wisdom and understanding helps in making sound decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of folly and sin.

The Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom
Ignoring wisdom can lead to destructive paths. Proverbs often contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly, urging adherence to wise counsel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the call to "pay attention" and "incline your ear" in Proverbs 5:1 challenge our daily habits of seeking wisdom?

2. In what ways can we actively seek and apply wisdom in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the concept of wisdom in Proverbs 5:1 relate to the wisdom described in James 1:5?

4. What role do mentors and spiritual leaders play in helping us understand and apply biblical wisdom?

5. Reflect on a time when you ignored wise counsel. What were the consequences, and how can you apply the lessons learned to future decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 4:1-7
This passage emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom and understanding, echoing the call to listen and learn from parental guidance.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, highlighting the divine source of true wisdom.

Psalm 119:34
This verse speaks to the desire for understanding in order to keep God's law, aligning with the pursuit of wisdom and understanding in Proverbs.
Caution Against Sexual SinsProverbs 5:1-14
Meretricious Pleasures and Their ResultsE. Johnson Proverbs 5:1-14
Victims of ViceW. Clarkson Proverbs 5:1-20
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Attend, Attention, Attentive, Bow, Ear, Incline, Insight, Listen, Pay, Teaching, Turn, Understanding, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 5:1

     8367   wisdom, importance of

Proverbs 5:1-2

     5887   inexperience
     8313   nurture

Proverbs 5:1-4

     8281   insight

Proverbs 5:1-6

     5745   women

Proverbs 5:1-14

     5345   influence

Proverbs 5:1-23

     5276   crime
     5481   proverb

Library
The Cords of Sin
'His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.'--PROVERBS v. 22. In Hosea's tender picture of the divine training of Israel which, alas! failed of its effect, we read, 'I drew them with cords of a man,' which is further explained as being 'with bands of love.' The metaphor in the prophet's mind is probably that of a child being 'taught to go' and upheld in its first tottering steps by leading-strings. God drew Israel, though Israel did not yield
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Last Things
A sermon (No. 667) delivered on Sunday morning, December 31, 1865 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "At the last."--Proverbs 5:11. The wise man saw the young and simple straying into the house of the strange woman. The house seemed so completely different from what he knew it to be that he desired to shed a light upon it, that the young man might not sin in the dark, but might understand the nature of his deeds. The wise man looked abroad and he saw but one lamp suitable
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
A Sermon (No. 915) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 13th, 1870 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins." -- Proverbs 5:22. The first sentence has reference to a net in which birds or beasts are taken. The ungodly man first of all finds sin to be a bait, and charmed by its apparent pleasantness he indulges in it and then he becomes entangled in its meshes so that he cannot
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
The first sentence of the text also may have reference to an arrest by an officer of law. The transgressor's own sins shall take him, shall seize him; they bear a warrant for arresting him, they shall judge him, they shall even execute him. Sin, which at the first bringeth to man a specious pleasure, ere long turneth into bitterness, remorse, and fear. Sin is a dragon, with eyes like stars, but it carrieth a deadly sting in its tail. The cup of sin, with rainbow bubbles on its brim, is black with
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 16: 1870

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches.
Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

"The Truth. " Some Generals Proposed.
That what we are to speak to for the clearing and improving this noble piece of truth, that Christ is the Truth, may be the more clearly understood and edifying, we shall first take notice of some generals, and then show particularly how or in what respects Christ is called the Truth; and finally speak to some cases wherein we are to make use of Christ as the Truth. As to the first. There are four general things here to be noticed. 1. This supposeth what our case by nature is, and what we are all
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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