Proverbs 5:13
I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors.
I did not listen
The phrase "I did not listen" underscores a deliberate choice to ignore or disregard guidance. In the Hebrew context, the word for "listen" often implies not just hearing but obeying and internalizing what is heard. This reflects a heart posture that is resistant to wisdom. In the biblical narrative, listening is equated with obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where the Shema calls Israel to "hear" and love God fully. The failure to listen is a recurring theme in Proverbs, warning of the consequences of ignoring divine and wise counsel.

to the voice of my teachers
"Voice" here signifies the authoritative and guiding words of those who impart wisdom. In ancient Israel, teachers were often elders or sages who played a crucial role in the community by passing down knowledge and moral instruction. The Hebrew word for "teachers" can also be translated as "instructors" or "guides," emphasizing their role in shaping character and understanding. The neglect of such voices is portrayed as folly throughout Proverbs, as these teachers are seen as conduits of God’s wisdom.

or incline my ear
The phrase "incline my ear" suggests an intentional act of focusing and giving attention. In Hebrew, the verb for "incline" conveys the idea of bending or stretching towards something, indicating a proactive effort to understand and absorb instruction. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe a posture of humility and eagerness to learn, as seen in Psalm 119:112, where the psalmist inclines his heart to perform God’s statutes.

to my mentors
"Mentors" refers to those who provide guidance and counsel, often through a personal and relational dynamic. In the biblical context, mentors were not just academic instructors but life coaches who modeled wisdom through their own lives. The Hebrew term can also be translated as "understanders" or "discerners," highlighting their role in helping others navigate life’s complexities. The absence of heeding such mentors is lamented in Proverbs, as it leads to a path of regret and missed opportunities for growth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Speaker
The speaker in this verse is a person reflecting on their past mistakes, particularly their failure to heed wise counsel.

2. Teachers/Instructors
These are figures of authority and wisdom, likely representing parents, mentors, or spiritual leaders who provide guidance and instruction.

3. The Context of Proverbs
Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It offers practical advice for living a life that honors God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heeding Wisdom
Ignoring wise counsel can lead to regret and negative consequences. It is crucial to listen to those who have more experience and understanding.

The Role of Humility in Learning
A humble heart is open to instruction and correction. Pride can prevent us from receiving the guidance we need.

Consequences of Disobedience
Failing to listen to wise instruction can lead to personal and spiritual downfall. Reflect on past mistakes to avoid repeating them.

The Value of Godly Mentors
Seek out and cherish relationships with those who can provide godly wisdom and guidance. They are invaluable in our spiritual journey.

Repentance and Change
Recognize past failures in listening to instruction, repent, and commit to being more attentive to godly counsel in the future.
Bible Study Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you ignored wise counsel. What were the consequences, and what did you learn from that experience?

2. How can you cultivate a heart that is more receptive to instruction and correction from others?

3. In what ways can you actively seek out godly mentors or teachers in your life?

4. How does the concept of discipline in Hebrews 12:11 relate to the message of Proverbs 5:13?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not just hearing but also applying the wisdom and instruction you receive?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:8-9
This passage emphasizes the importance of listening to parental instruction and the value it brings to one's life.

Hebrews 12:11
This verse discusses the discipline and correction that may seem unpleasant at the time but ultimately yields righteousness and peace.

James 1:22-25
These verses encourage believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, highlighting the importance of applying wisdom and instruction.
Consequences of DisobedienceThe EvangelistProverbs 5:13
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
Attention, Directors, Ear, Guiding, Hearkened, Incline, Inclined, Instructed, Instructors, Listen, Listened, Obeyed, Teachers, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 5:1-14

     5345   influence

Proverbs 5:1-23

     5276   crime
     5481   proverb

Proverbs 5:3-14

     5707   male and female

Proverbs 5:7-14

     5979   waste

Proverbs 5:11-14

     5567   suffering, emotional

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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