Proverbs 5:7 kjv

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

Proverbs 5:7 nkjv

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

Proverbs 5:7 niv

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

Proverbs 5:7 esv

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

Proverbs 5:7 nlt

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

Proverbs 5 verses

Proverbs 5 7 Meaning

Proverbs 5:7 serves as a pivotal and urgent appeal from the wise teacher, personified as a father, to his young disciples, here called "my children." After detailing the immediate and dire consequences of succumbing to immorality (specifically associated with the "strange woman" or folly), this verse passionately calls them to intently listen, truly hear, and steadfastly obey his wisdom-filled counsel. It is an emphatic demand for allegiance to truth and righteous instruction, a direct counter to the deceptive allure of evil.

Proverbs 5 7 Context

Proverbs 5:7 is embedded within the instructional framework of Proverbs 5, which predominantly serves as a strong warning against sexual immorality and the destructive allure of the "strange woman" (often personifying folly, external temptations, or literally, an adulteress). The preceding verses (Proverbs 5:1-6) detail the seductive yet ultimately bitter nature of such an entanglement – its deceptive sweetness initially, but leading to bitter poison, sharpness of a two-edged sword, and descent into Sheol (death). Verse 7 acts as a crucial turning point, a direct appeal to the audience to internalize the severe warnings just delivered. It shifts from description of danger to an urgent, authoritative call for heedfulness and unwavering loyalty to the fatherly instruction. The broader context of Proverbs is didactic wisdom literature, where a seasoned sage (father) imparts life-giving counsel to his young charge (son/child), guiding him through life's moral complexities to ensure a flourishing existence in line with divine wisdom.

Proverbs 5 7 Word analysis

• Now therefore (וְעַתָּה - wəʿattah): This Hebrew conjunction typically marks a significant transition or the drawing of a conclusion based on preceding information. Here, it intensifies the subsequent appeal, signaling that the serious warnings previously given demand an immediate and decisive response. It underscores urgency and a call to direct action.
• listen (שִׁמְעוּ - shimʿu): This is a plural imperative from the verb shamaʿ, which in Hebrew means more than just auditory reception. It encompasses the idea of attentive hearing that leads to understanding, active heeding, and ultimately, obedience. It's a foundational concept in the Bible, exemplified by the "Shema Israel" (Hear, O Israel).
• to me (לִי - li): The dative suffix attached to "me" directly emphasizes the source of the instruction. It underscores the personal authority and intimate concern of the speaker – the father or wise teacher – and implicitly calls for loyalty to his specific words.
• my children (בָּנִים - banim): This term, literally "sons," is used as an affectionate and authoritative form of address in wisdom literature. It signifies the paternal bond, implying both loving concern and a natural right to instruct. It places the audience in a relationship of trust and familial responsibility to receive wisdom.
• and do not turn away (וְאַל־תָּסוּרוּ - wəʾal-tasuru): This is a strong negative imperative, "do not deviate" or "do not depart." The verb sur means to turn aside, remove oneself from a path. In this context, it is a warning against wavering, becoming unfaithful, or ignoring the instruction. It implies remaining steadfast on the path of wisdom and not being swayed by alternative, destructive voices.
• from the words (מֵאִמְרֵי - me'imrey): Imrey refers to specific sayings, utterances, or pronouncements, often those that are weighty, poetic, or divinely inspired. This distinguishes them from mere casual speech; these are carefully crafted, authoritative instructions meant to guide one's life.
• of my mouth (פִי - pi): This specifies that the "words" are direct expressions from the speaker himself, reinforcing their authenticity, personal origin, and weight. It stands in contrast to the seductive and deceitful words of the "strange woman" previously described.

Words-group Analysis

• "Now therefore, listen to me": This phrase combines urgency, a command for immediate attention, and the specific recipient of that attention. It's a forceful injunction to heed the voice of wisdom and respond without delay, setting the stage for what follows.
• "my children": This intimate address softens the authoritative tone while emphasizing the deep, caring relationship between the teacher and the taught. It grounds the stern warning in loving concern, highlighting that the instruction is for their good and well-being.
• "and do not turn away from the words of my mouth": This completes the command, moving from passive hearing to active adherence. It underscores the critical importance of steadfastness and fidelity to the given instruction, warning against any form of deviation or rejection, linking it directly to the source of life-giving wisdom.

Proverbs 5 7 Bonus section

The repeated use of the familial address ("my son," "my children") throughout Proverbs, including this verse, highlights the intergenerational transmission of wisdom. It’s not merely a legalistic code but an inherited legacy of spiritual and moral truth, passed down within a loving relationship. This paternal instruction is portrayed as life's only true safeguard, providing an invaluable spiritual shield against the very real dangers posed by deceit and immorality. The wise words are thus a parental "tether" keeping the child from drifting into spiritual and moral peril.

Proverbs 5 7 Commentary

Proverbs 5:7 functions as a critical junction in the teacher's discourse. Having meticulously exposed the bitter reality lurking behind the seductive facade of the immoral woman, the verse swings into an urgent, heartfelt, and authoritative plea. It calls for more than just passive hearing; it demands shama', a deep listening that entails comprehending, valuing, and most importantly, obeying. The address "my children" isn’t merely formal; it injects a tender, parental authority into the instruction, highlighting the teacher's deep concern for their flourishing. This intimate connection underscores the gravity of the subsequent command: "do not turn away." The instruction from "my mouth" is presented as a firm anchor against the treacherous currents of temptation, offering the only true path to safety and life, sharply contrasting with the alluring but destructive whispers of folly. The ultimate message is one of unyielding loyalty to righteous teaching for genuine welfare and security.