Proverbs 5:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

NIV: Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.

NASB: Now then, my sons, listen to me And do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

CSB: So now, sons, listen to me, and don't turn away from the words from my mouth.

NLT: So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say:

KJV: Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

NKJV: Therefore hear me now, my children, And do not depart from the words of my mouth.

Solomon urges his sons, using a plural term. This most likely means he is referring to students; it was a common practice in that era to use parent-child terminology in a teaching relationship. He urges these students to listen to him and not abandon his wise counsel. A parent or teacher can provide sound teaching for his children or students, but each of them is individually responsible to incorporate the teaching into his life.

Timothy is a good example of someone who received excellent teaching in his childhood and honored it throughout his formative years. In 2 Timothy 1:5 Paul told Timothy, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." In the same letter he wrote: "But as for you [Timothy], continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14–15).

Proverbs 5:7–14 comes after Solomon has warned his son about the allurement of a seductress. Here, Solomon lists a number of catastrophes that result from committing adultery. This list precedes his advice to stay faithful to one's spouse and enjoy the blessings of marriage—this is advice suitable for people of either sex.

Solomon approaches the subject of adultery by describing a prototype seducer: a smooth talker who leads the victim down a dangerous road. Sin promises pleasure, but it is ultimately brief and destructive consequences are long lasting. The destructive consequences include a loss of strength, respect, money, and longevity. The person who disregards godly counsel about adultery experiences ruin and disgrace. Faithfulness in marriage brings a person exuberance and joy. No sin, including adultery, is hidden from God. Sin ensnares the adulterer and shows that he is foolish, undisciplined, and far from the Lord.

This chapter continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his children and / or students. Solomon warns about the temptation to succumb to adultery. He points out the calamities of yielding to sexual sin, and of violating one's marriage. This warning is similar the one given in Proverbs 1:8–10. After cautioning about the risks of adultery, he cites the joys and advantages of monogamous marriage.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/7/2024 9:58:25 PM