Proverbs 5:1

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

My son {H1121}, attend {H7181} unto my wisdom {H2451}, and bow {H5186} thine ear {H241} to my understanding {H8394}:

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

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight,

My son, attend unto my wisdom; Incline thine ear to my understanding:

Commentary

Proverbs 5:1 serves as an earnest plea from a father or teacher to a son or disciple, urging diligent attention to the wisdom and understanding being imparted. This verse sets the stage for the vital moral instruction that follows, particularly concerning the dangers of sexual immorality.

Context

This verse opens a new section within the book of Proverbs, specifically within the "father to son" discourse (chapters 1-9). It is a foundational call to listen, preceding detailed warnings against the "strange woman" or adulteress, which begins in Proverbs 5:3. The emphasis here is on the absolute necessity of receiving and internalizing wisdom as a preventative measure against future temptations and pitfalls. It mirrors the general call to heed parental instruction found elsewhere in Proverbs.

Key Themes

  • The Primacy of Wisdom and Understanding: The verse highlights wisdom (`chokmah`) and understanding (`binah`) as paramount, presenting them not merely as intellectual pursuits but as essential guides for life.
  • Attentive Listening: The phrases "attend unto my wisdom" and "bow thine ear" underscore the need for active, intentional, and humble listening, not just passive hearing. This requires a conscious effort to absorb and process the instruction.
  • Parental/Mentoral Authority: It establishes the authority and loving concern of the one giving counsel, emphasizing the value of guidance from experienced and godly sources.
  • Foundation for Moral Living: Receiving this wisdom is presented as the prerequisite for making discerning choices and avoiding destructive paths, particularly those related to moral purity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are quite evocative. "Attend unto my wisdom" translates the word qashab (ืงืฉื‘), which means "to prick up the ears," or "to listen intently and carefully." This implies a focused, intentional effort to hear. "Bow thine ear" comes from natah 'ozen (ื ื˜ื” ืื–ืŸ), meaning "to incline the ear" or "to stretch out the ear." This phrase suggests a posture of humility and eagerness to receive, literally bending down to catch every word. Together, these phrases convey a strong emphasis on active, receptive, and submissive listening, which is crucial for gaining true wisdom as the principal thing.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:1 is a timeless reminder for all ages about the importance of being teachable. In a world full of competing voices and influences, the call to "attend unto my wisdom" encourages us to:

  • Seek Godly Counsel: Actively listen to and value instruction from parents, mentors, spiritual leaders, and the clear teachings of Scripture.
  • Cultivate Humility: "Bowing the ear" implies a humble posture, recognizing that we don't know everything and need guidance.
  • Be Discerning Listeners: Not all advice is wise. This verse implicitly teaches us to align the wisdom we hear with divine truth, which is the ultimate source of understanding.
  • Prepare for Temptation: By internalizing wisdom, we build a strong foundation that helps us navigate life's temptations, particularly those related to moral integrity, as detailed in the subsequent verses of this chapter. Just as a lamp guides our steps, wisdom illuminates our path away from danger.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 22:17

    ยถ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

  • Proverbs 4:20

    ยถ My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

  • Proverbs 2:1

    ยถ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

  • Revelation 2:11

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

  • James 1:19

    ยถ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

  • Revelation 2:17

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

  • Mark 4:23

    If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
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