Proverbs 5:7
So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.
So now
This phrase serves as a pivotal transition, urging immediate attention and action. In the Hebrew text, the word "now" (עַתָּה, 'attah) emphasizes the urgency and present relevance of the instruction. It suggests a moment of decision, a call to heed wisdom without delay. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern tradition of imparting wisdom through oral instruction, where timing and context were crucial for effective learning.

my sons
The term "sons" (בָּנִים, banim) is not limited to biological offspring but extends to disciples or followers. In the context of Proverbs, it reflects a familial relationship between the teacher (often Solomon) and the learner. This paternal language underscores the care and responsibility of the teacher to guide the young in the ways of wisdom. It also highlights the communal aspect of learning, where wisdom is passed down through generations.

listen to me
The Hebrew verb for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies more than just hearing; it involves understanding and obedience. This call to listen is a recurring theme in Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of active engagement with wisdom. In the ancient world, listening was a key component of learning, as most instruction was oral. The phrase encourages a posture of humility and receptivity, essential for spiritual growth.

and do not turn aside
To "turn aside" (שָׂרַר, sarar) suggests a deviation or departure from a set path. In the biblical context, it often refers to straying from God's commandments or wisdom. This warning against turning aside highlights the dangers of distraction and disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to remain on the path of righteousness, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature.

from the words of my mouth
The "words" (אִמְרֵי, imrei) here are not mere suggestions but authoritative teachings. The phrase "words of my mouth" signifies personal and direct communication, emphasizing the importance of the source of wisdom. In the biblical tradition, words are powerful and carry the weight of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). This underscores the necessity of valuing and adhering to divine instruction as conveyed through the teacher's mouth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He addresses his audience as "my sons," indicating a paternal or mentoring role.

2. Sons
The term "sons" is used metaphorically to refer to the recipients of wisdom, suggesting a close, familial relationship between the teacher and the learners.

3. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Listening
Listening is a key component of gaining wisdom. It requires humility and a willingness to learn from those who have walked the path before us.

Staying on the Path of Wisdom
The phrase "do not turn aside" suggests the need for perseverance and focus. Distractions and temptations can lead us away from the path of righteousness.

The Role of Mentorship
Solomon's address to "my sons" highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance in spiritual growth. Seek out and value godly mentors in your life.

Guarding Against Temptation
The broader context of Proverbs 5 warns against the allure of immorality. Staying true to wise teachings helps guard against such temptations.

The Value of Consistent Instruction
Regular engagement with Scripture and wise counsel is crucial for maintaining a life aligned with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of listening in Proverbs 5:7 compare to other biblical teachings on listening, such as in James 1:22?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not "turn aside" from the wisdom we receive? What practical steps can we take?

3. How does the relationship between Solomon and his "sons" inform our understanding of spiritual mentorship today?

4. What are some modern-day distractions or temptations that might cause us to turn aside from wise teachings, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can we apply the principles of Proverbs 5:7 in our daily lives to strengthen our walk with God and our relationships with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 4:1-2
This passage also emphasizes the importance of listening to a father's instruction, reinforcing the theme of heeding wisdom.

James 1:22
This New Testament verse encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, which aligns with the call to not turn aside from wise teachings.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
The Shema instructs the Israelites to listen and adhere to God's commandments, paralleling the call to listen and not turn aside from wisdom.
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
Aside, Depart, Ear, Hearken, Listen, Mouth, O, Sayings, Sons, Turn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 5:7

     5165   listening

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

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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