Proverbs 7:24 kjv

Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 7:24 nkjv

Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth:

Proverbs 7:24 niv

Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.

Proverbs 7:24 esv

And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 7:24 nlt

So listen to me, my sons,
and pay attention to my words.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 24 Meaning

Proverbs 7:24 is an urgent call to attention and obedience, delivered from the wise teacher or father figure to his disciples or "sons." It serves as a pivotal command following the detailed warning against the seductive ways of the adulteress. The verse implores the hearer not just to listen passively, but to incline their heart, give full mental focus, and actively internalize the instructions given, understanding that their future well-being depends on heeding this vital wisdom.

Proverbs 7 24 Context

Proverbs 7:24 is positioned immediately after a lengthy and vivid warning against the destructive enticements of the "loose woman" (Proverbs 7:6-23). The preceding verses describe her cunning strategies, the victim's naivety, and the inevitable path to ruin, likening it to an ox going to the slaughter. This detailed cautionary tale builds to a climax, and verse 24 acts as a crucial imperative following the dramatic illustration. It is a direct appeal from the wisdom teacher to the "sons"—who represent young, impressionable men or anyone seeking wisdom—to internalize the teaching presented.

Historically, this instruction would be understood in a patriarchal society where a father, or a wisdom sage, imparted practical and moral guidance to younger generations. The "loose woman" could symbolize not only literal adultery but also the broader enticement of worldly folly, idolatry, and anti-wisdom paths that draw one away from God's instruction and a righteous life. The polemic is against any alluring deception that promises pleasure or gain but ultimately leads to destruction, contrasting it with the true path of wisdom.

Proverbs 7 24 Word analysis

• And now (וְעַתָּה, we'attah): This phrase signals a transition from narrative or argument to an urgent appeal or command. It intensifies the subsequent exhortation, indicating a moment of significant importance for decision or action. It functions as a strong concluding imperative, moving from explanation to application.
• My sons (בָּנִים, banim): A common form of address in wisdom literature from the teacher to the students, or from a father to his children. It implies an intimate, nurturing, and authoritative relationship, highlighting the desire of the speaker for the well-being and moral formation of the listener. It underscores a pedagogical relationship, inviting the hearer into a covenant of learning.
• Listen (שִׁמְעוּ, shim'u): An imperative verb derived from the root š-m-ʻ (shema), which means more than just audible hearing. In Hebrew thought, shema implies hearing, attending, understanding, and most importantly, obeying. It demands not just intellectual assent but a responsiveness of the will.
• to me (לִי, li): Emphasizes the speaker as the authoritative source of the wisdom being given. It personalizes the appeal, highlighting the direct nature of the counsel and its importance coming from this particular instructor.
• and pay attention (וְהַקְשִׁיבוּ, wehaqshivū): An imperative verb derived from qashav, meaning to incline the ear, to give careful heed, to listen intently and diligently. It suggests an active stretching out of the ear, focusing mental and emotional faculties fully. This strengthens and reinforces the previous shim'u, emphasizing a deep and thorough engagement.
• to the words (לְאִמְרֵי, le'imrei): Refers to the specific sayings, utterances, or pronouncements of wisdom. This is the content that needs to be heard and obeyed.
• of my mouth (פִֽי, fi): Explicitly identifies the source of the words, reiterating the direct and personal nature of the instruction from the teacher. It authenticates the wisdom as directly delivered by the one who genuinely cares for the listener.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And now, my sons,": This transition marks a direct and urgent plea, shifting from a detailed exposition of danger to an immediate call to action for the target audience. It implies that the gravity of the previous warning necessitates an attentive response.
• "Listen to me, and pay attention": This double imperative emphasizes the comprehensive and active nature of the required listening. "Listen" (shim'u) calls for a readiness to obey and act on what is heard, while "pay attention" (wehaqshivū) demands focused intellectual and emotional engagement, inclining one's entire being towards the speaker's instruction. It’s a call for discernment, not passive reception.
• "to the words of my mouth": This phrase clearly defines the object of their attention—the specific wisdom, counsel, and warnings articulated by the sage. It signifies the authoritative nature and source of the teaching that is designed to guide them away from destruction and towards life.

Proverbs 7 24 Bonus section

The concept of "hearing" in Proverbs 7:24, particularly shema, is foundational in biblical theology. It is a volitional act of receiving divine instruction and committing to act on it. This isn't just about sound waves reaching the ear, but the word penetrating the heart (Hebrew lev often means the inner being, including intellect, emotion, and will) and directing one's actions. The context of Proverbs 7—warning against enticements—implies that "hearing" wisely requires discernment between conflicting voices: the seductive whispers of folly and the authoritative instruction of wisdom. The Shema Israel of Deut 6:4 is the prime example of this type of deep hearing and obedience to God's commands. The repeated use of "my son" throughout Proverbs highlights the covenantal and nurturing aspect of wisdom teaching, designed for discipleship and spiritual growth, not mere academic learning.

Proverbs 7 24 Commentary

Proverbs 7:24 distills the entire preceding chapter into an urgent command. Having vividly depicted the ruin wrought by the "loose woman"—a metaphor for seductive folly and evil—the wisdom teacher now calls for immediate and absolute responsiveness. This verse isn't merely an advice, but a life-or-death appeal, urging the "sons" to transcend casual listening. The repetition and intensification of "listen" and "pay attention" (active, deep hearing with discernment) underscore that intellectual knowledge alone is insufficient; true wisdom requires an obedient heart that internalizes and acts upon the truth. It is a vital moment where theoretical instruction transitions into practical imperative for navigating real-world dangers. Failure to heed this kind of active attention can lead to destruction, as shown by the unsuspecting youth in the preceding verses.