Proverbs 5:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

Complete Jewish Bible:

I ignored what my teachers said, I didn't listen to my instructors.

Berean Standard Bible:

I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors.

American Standard Version:

Neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, Nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And have not obeyed{H8085} the voice{H6963} of my teachers{H3384}, nor inclined{H5186} mine ear{H241} to them that instructed{H3925} me!

Cross-References (KJV):

Hebrews 13:7

  • Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

Luke 15:18

  • I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

1 Thessalonians 4:8

  • He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

  • And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

1 Thessalonians 5:13

  • And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:


Commentary for Proverbs 5:13

1. Proverbs 5:13 is part of a larger passage, Proverbs 5:1-23, which serves as a warning against the allure of adultery and the folly of succumbing to sexual immorality. The verse specifically reads, "And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!"

2. This verse reflects the wisdom literature tradition of the ancient Near East, where experienced individuals impart practical advice for living a virtuous and successful life. In the historical context, the teachings of parents and teachers were highly respected, and adherence to their wisdom was seen as a key to a prosperous and righteous life.

3. The theme of Proverbs 5:13 emphasizes the importance of heeding wisdom and instruction from those who are wise and experienced. The verse suggests that the neglect of such teachings can lead to dire consequences, particularly in the realm of sexual purity and fidelity, which are recurring concerns in the book of Proverbs.

4. The exclamation in the verse conveys a sense of regret or lament over the failure to listen to wise counsel. It serves as a cautionary note to the reader or listener to pay attention to the guidance of those who have their best interests at heart, implying that such guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of life and avoiding serious moral pitfalls.

5. In summary, Proverbs 5:13 encapsulates the value of obedience to wisdom and the tradition of teaching within the family and community structure. It underscores the idea that disregarding the advice of teachers and mentors can lead to personal ruin, especially in matters of sexual temptation and moral integrity, which are central to maintaining individual and societal well-being.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H8085
    There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁמַע
    Transliteration: shâmaʻ
    Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
    Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
  2. Strong's Number: H6963
    There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קוֹל
    Transliteration: qôwl
    Pronunciation: kole
    Description: or קֹל; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound; [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell.
  3. Strong's Number: H3384
    There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָרָה
    Transliteration: yârâh
    Pronunciation: yaw-raw'
    Description: or (2 Chronicles 26:15) יָרָא; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach; ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through.
  4. Strong's Number: H5186
    There are 207 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָטָה
    Transliteration: nâṭâh
    Pronunciation: naw-taw'
    Description: a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application; [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield.
  5. Strong's Number: H241
    There are 652 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֹזֶן
    Transliteration: ʼôzen
    Pronunciation: o'-zen
    Description: from אָזַן; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man); [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show.
  6. Strong's Number: H3925
    There are 80 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: לָמַד
    Transliteration: lâmad
    Pronunciation: law-mad'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. (by implication) to teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive); (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing).