Proverbs 5:1 kjv

My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

Proverbs 5:1 nkjv

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; Lend your ear to my understanding,

Proverbs 5:1 niv

My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight,

Proverbs 5:1 esv

My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding,

Proverbs 5:1 nlt

My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen carefully to my wise counsel.

Proverbs 5 verses

Proverbs 5 1 Meaning

Proverbs 5:1 calls a son, and by extension all listeners, to give active, intentional attention to the father's (or divine) wisdom and understanding. It serves as an urgent plea to prepare the mind and heart to receive crucial instruction, specifically setting the stage for warnings against the destructive path of immorality and the seduction of the adulteress described in the subsequent verses of chapter 5. This foundation of diligent listening is presented as essential for acquiring discernment and life.

Proverbs 5 1 Context

Proverbs 5:1 serves as a critical introductory call within a section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9) primarily concerned with imparting wisdom to a "son" and protecting him from the seductions of folly, embodied largely by the "immoral woman" or "adulteress." This verse initiates a direct address from a father-figure, emphasizing the solemnity and necessity of the instruction that follows. The immediate chapter context (Proverbs 5:2-23) unfolds a vivid warning against sexual immorality, detailing its deceptive allure, bitter consequences, and destructive path. The father urges the son to guard his heart and stay true to his covenant partner, likening such loyalty to a wellspring of life. Historically and culturally, the instruction reflects ancient Israelite patriarchal society where wisdom and moral training were foundational components passed down from father to son, vital for the continuation of a righteous lineage and community life. These teachings implicitly stand against the widespread pagan practices of idolatry and ritual prostitution prevalent in surrounding cultures, where promiscuity was often linked with fertility cults, underscoring the stark moral distinctions of the covenant people.

Proverbs 5 1 Word analysis

• My son (בְּנִי, bĕnî): A term of endearment and strong familial bond. It highlights a relationship of trust and authority, typical of the didactic style throughout Proverbs. This is not just general advice but intimate instruction given within a covenant relationship, echoing God's address to His people as "sons."

• attend unto (הַקְשִׁיבָה, haqšîbāh): An imperative verb from the root meaning "to listen attentively" or "to give ear." It implies active, earnest, and focused listening, not just passive hearing. The action of listening here demands deliberate effort and mental engagement.

• my wisdom (חָכְמָתִי, ḥāḵmāṯî): Refers to the practical skill, discernment, and moral insight imparted by the father. In Proverbs, "wisdom" (ḥokhmah) encompasses the ability to live skillfully and righteously in God's world, aligned with His truth. It's experiential knowledge, often contrasted with folly.

• and bow (וְהַטֵּה, wəhaṭṭēh): Another imperative verb, from the root meaning "to incline," "to stretch out," or "to turn aside." It signifies a physical act of leaning in, indicating eagerness and readiness to receive. The spiritual parallel is humility and receptivity.

• thine ear (אָזְנְךָ, ʾoznəḵā): The physical organ of hearing, but symbolically represents the faculty of attention and comprehension. "Bowing the ear" implies submitting one's own thoughts and biases to truly absorb the instruction being given.

• to my understanding (לִתְבוּנָתִי, liṯḇûnāṯî): "Understanding" (tĕbûnah) often parallels "wisdom" and refers to the capacity for discernment, insight, and prudent judgment, particularly in distinguishing right from wrong or good from evil. It's the ability to grasp the meaning and implications of wisdom.

• "attend unto my wisdom" / "bow thine ear to my understanding": This is a classic example of synonymous parallelism, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. The repetition emphasizes the intensity and importance of the command to listen carefully and absorb the teaching. It's an exhortation to both intellectual reception and heart-level acceptance. This paired phrase underscores that mere hearing is insufficient; one must actively engage with and internalize the profound truths presented by wisdom and understanding, allowing them to shape one's thoughts and actions.

Proverbs 5 1 Bonus section

The active verbs "attend" (haqšîbāh) and "bow" (haṭṭēh) used in this verse convey a sense of humility and a voluntary surrender of one's own predispositions. It suggests a receptive heart that chooses to yield to the instruction given rather than approaching it with skepticism or indifference. This attitude is crucial because the subsequent verses demand self-control and discernment that can only be cultivated by a deeply rooted adherence to truth. This verse thus lays the groundwork not just for intellectual reception, but for moral obedience rooted in a trust for the speaker and his imparted wisdom. The "father" in Proverbs can also be understood as God Himself, teaching His children through His Word, establishing a divine-human instructional paradigm.

Proverbs 5 1 Commentary

Proverbs 5:1 sets the imperative tone for one of the most serious warnings in the book: the peril of sexual sin. By commanding, "My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding," the father-teacher implores complete and diligent concentration from his listener. This is not casual advice but a vital life lesson requiring active mental and spiritual posture. The twin appeals to "wisdom" and "understanding" highlight that the instruction to follow is deeply profound, offering not just moral rules but genuine insight into the nature of righteous living and the deceptive allure of wickedness. This initial call to intentional listening is foundational; without such attentiveness, the subsequent warnings against the immoral woman will fall on deaf ears, leaving the son vulnerable to deception and ruin. It stresses that protection from vice begins with a willing and receptive heart toward divine truth, underscoring the urgency of discernment in matters of grave moral consequence. Applying this involves silencing distractions, seeking quiet moments for Scripture reflection, and valuing biblical teaching from trusted sources, prioritizing God's word above all other voices.