Proverbs 5:7

Proverbs 5:7 serves as a crucial turning point within a profound warning from a father (or wise teacher) to his son (or disciple) about the dangers of immoral relationships, specifically with the "strange woman" or adulteress.

Context

This verse acts as a direct, earnest appeal following the detailed descriptions of the seductive allure and destructive consequences of illicit sexual encounters (Proverbs 5:1-6). The speaker, having laid out the trap and its bitter end, pauses to reinforce the vital necessity of heeding his instruction. The phrase "Hear me now therefore, O ye children" underscores the urgency and the compassionate authority of the counsel. The wisdom shared in Proverbs is not merely theoretical; it is presented as life-preserving truth, essential for navigating a world filled with moral pitfalls. This plea for attention is characteristic of the book, where wisdom is often personified as crying out for listeners, as seen in Proverbs 1:20-22.

Key Themes

• The Urgency of Heeding Wisdom: The command to "Hear me now" emphasizes that this counsel is not optional but critical for well-being. It calls for immediate and active listening, not just passive reception.
• Obedience and Steadfastness: "Depart not from the words of my mouth" highlights the call to steadfast obedience. It's an exhortation to remain committed to the path of righteousness and not to deviate from sound moral instruction, which is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 4:13).
• Parental/Teacher Authority: The address "O ye children" reinforces the loving yet authoritative role of the one dispensing wisdom. It implies a relationship of trust and responsibility, where the elder is seeking to protect the younger from harm.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hear" is shama (שָׁמַע), which means more than just to perceive sound; it implies to listen attentively, to understand, and crucially, to obey. This is a core concept in biblical wisdom literature, signifying a responsive, active listening that leads to action. Similarly, "depart not" comes from the Hebrew sur (סוּר), meaning to turn aside, to deviate, or to remove oneself. The imperative is to remain on the prescribed path, not to stray from the moral boundaries set by divine wisdom.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:7 offers timeless wisdom for individuals of all ages. In a world saturated with conflicting messages and temptations, the call to "hear" and "depart not" remains profoundly relevant. It encourages us to:

• Prioritize Godly Counsel: Actively seek out and value the wisdom found in Scripture and from trusted spiritual mentors, parents, or elders who speak truth into our lives.
• Cultivate Discernment: Understand that not all advice is good advice. The verse urges us to cling to sound instruction that aligns with biblical principles, especially concerning moral purity and integrity.
• Commit to Obedience: True wisdom is demonstrated not just by knowing what is right, but by consistently choosing to follow it. This verse is a reminder that straying from God's word often leads to painful consequences, as the rest of Proverbs 5 illustrates concerning the "strange woman" and her destructive path (Proverbs 5:11-14).

Ultimately, this verse is a heartfelt plea for a life of intentional adherence to wisdom, safeguarding oneself from the pitfalls of sin by choosing the path of righteousness.