Proverbs 5:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} me now therefore, O ye children {H1121}, and depart {H5493} not from the words {H561} of my mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, children, listen to me; don't turn away from what I am saying:

Berean Standard Bible

So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.

American Standard Version

Now therefore, mysons, hearken unto me, And depart not from the words of my mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:7 marks a pivotal moment in the father's urgent counsel to his son, transitioning from a vivid depiction of the dangers of the adulteress to a direct, impassioned plea for attentive obedience. This verse serves as a crucial interjection, underscoring the vital importance of internalizing and adhering to the wisdom shared, emphasizing that true understanding is demonstrated through steadfast adherence to the path of righteousness and avoidance of moral pitfalls.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:7 is a direct appeal embedded within a sustained warning against sexual immorality, specifically the "strange woman" or adulteress, which begins in [Proverbs 5:1](/proverbs/5-1 "Proverbs 5:1 - The Call to Wisdom"). The preceding verses (Proverbs 5:1-6) meticulously describe the seductive allure of the adulteress ("her lips drip honey," [Proverbs 5:3](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3 - The Sweetness of Sin")) contrasted sharply with the bitter, destructive consequences of yielding to her ("her end is bitter as wormwood," [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Folly")). The father's counsel is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, aiming to equip his son with the discernment needed to avoid such ruin. This verse acts as a pause, a moment for the speaker to re-engage his audience directly and reinforce the gravity of his instruction before continuing to elaborate on the dire outcomes of straying (Proverbs 5:8-14) and the blessings of marital fidelity (Proverbs 5:15-23).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, wisdom was primarily transmitted through oral instruction within the family, particularly from father to son. The "strange woman" (or "foreign woman") could refer to a non-Israelite woman, but more commonly denotes a woman who is morally alien to the covenant community's standards, often an adulteress or prostitute. Adultery was a grave offense, carrying severe social, economic, and spiritual repercussions, including potentially death (Leviticus 20:10), ruin of reputation, loss of wealth, and divine judgment. The instruction in Proverbs reflects a patriarchal society where the father held significant authority and responsibility for his son's moral and spiritual formation. The emphasis on "words of my mouth" highlights the personal, relational nature of this wisdom transmission, rooted in lived experience and divine revelation, contrasting with the deceptive words of the seductress.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It highlights **The Urgency of Heeding Wisdom**, transforming passive listening into an active, life-preserving engagement. The phrase "Hear me now" echoes wisdom's persistent call for attention found throughout the book, as seen in [Proverbs 1:20-23](/proverbs/1-20 "Proverbs 1:20-23 - Wisdom's Public Call"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience and Steadfastness**, emphasizing that true wisdom is not merely intellectual assent but a consistent commitment to a righteous path. To "depart not" is to remain firmly rooted in the instruction, avoiding deviation, a principle reiterated in passages like [Proverbs 4:13](/proverbs/4-13 "Proverbs 4:13 - Hold Fast to Instruction"). Finally, the address "O ye children" reinforces the **Parental/Teacher Authority** inherent in the book of Proverbs, where the wise instructor acts as a loving guardian, seeking to protect the younger generation from the destructive consequences of folly and sin, reflecting the divine call for Israel to listen to God's commandments (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4-7](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-7 - The Shema and Its Implications")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_):** From H8085, this word signifies far more than merely perceiving sound. It implies listening intelligently, with an expectation of attention, understanding, and, most importantly, obedience. In a biblical context, to "hear" God's word or wise counsel is to internalize it and act upon it. This active hearing is foundational to the covenant relationship and to living wisely.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên_):** From H1121, this term broadly denotes "a son" or "descendant," but in the context of Proverbs, it refers to disciples or those under instruction, often specifically young men. It emphasizes a relationship of tutelage and a familial bond, implying both affection and authority. The instruction is given to those who are to inherit and build upon the wisdom of their elders.
* **depart (Hebrew, _çûyr_):** From H5493, this primitive root means "to turn off," "to turn aside," "to remove," or "to withdraw." The negative imperative "depart not" therefore conveys a strong command to remain steadfast, to not deviate from the prescribed path, and to avoid turning away from the words of instruction. It highlights the necessity of persistent adherence to wisdom's teachings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear me now therefore, O ye children":** This clause is a direct and urgent appeal from the speaker (the father/teacher) to his audience (the son/disciple). The "now therefore" (וְעַתָּה) serves as a logical connector, drawing a conclusion from the preceding warnings. Having laid out the dangers, the speaker demands immediate, active attention and receptive obedience from those he addresses as "children," signifying both their dependent status and his loving authority.
* **"and depart not from the words of my mouth":** This is a negative imperative, a command to remain steadfast. "Depart not" (וְאַל־תָּסוּרוּ) explicitly forbids deviation or turning away. The "words of my mouth" (אִמְרֵי־פִי) refers to the instruction and counsel just given and about to be continued. It emphasizes the personal, authoritative, and life-giving nature of the wisdom being imparted, requiring unwavering commitment and adherence.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:7 employs several powerful literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as the speaker directly appeals to "O ye children," creating an intimate and personal tone that demands attention and fosters a sense of responsibility in the listener. This is immediately followed by the **Imperative Mood** ("Hear me now," "depart not"), which conveys the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. The use of "words of my mouth" is an example of **Metonymy**, where "mouth" (the organ of speech) stands for the instruction or counsel itself, emphasizing the personal origin and authoritative delivery of the wisdom. The entire verse functions as a **Call to Attention**, strategically placed to reinforce the gravity of the preceding warnings and the importance of the forthcoming counsel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on the critical importance of hearing and obeying God's word. It echoes the foundational call of the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"), where "hearing" (שָׁמַע, _shâmaʻ_) implies not just auditory perception but a responsive, obedient heart. The wisdom literature consistently teaches that life and blessing flow from adherence to divine instruction, while deviation leads to destruction and sorrow. Proverbs 5:7 thus serves as a microcosm of the broader biblical truth that true wisdom is practical and requires a steadfast commitment to God's revealed will, safeguarding individuals from the seductive allure of sin and its devastating consequences. It underscores that God's commands are not burdensome but are given for our well-being and flourishing.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - Building on the Rock")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with competing voices and temptations, Proverbs 5:7 offers a timeless and vital call to discernment and steadfastness. It challenges us to critically evaluate the sources of counsel we heed and to prioritize wisdom that aligns with divine truth. Just as the father in Proverbs urges his son to "depart not from the words of my mouth," we are called to cling unswervingly to the unchanging principles of God's Word, especially when faced with alluring but destructive paths. This verse reminds us that true spiritual maturity is not merely about accumulating knowledge but about consistently applying truth, cultivating a responsive heart that actively listens to godly counsel and resolutely resists the subtle—or overt—invitations to compromise. It encourages a life of intentional adherence to righteousness, safeguarding our hearts and minds from the pervasive influences that seek to lead us astray.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "voices" or sources of counsel are you currently "hearing" most prominently in your life, and how do they align with biblical wisdom?**
* **In what areas of your life are you most tempted to "depart" from God's established boundaries or wise instruction?**
* **How does the urgency of "Hear me now therefore" challenge your approach to spiritual disciplines like Bible reading and prayer?**
* **Who are the "children" in your life (literally or spiritually) to whom you are called to impart wisdom and encourage steadfastness?**

### FAQ
**Why is the address "O ye children" significant in this context?**

Answer: The address "O ye children" (or "my son," as often translated elsewhere in Proverbs) is highly significant because it establishes a relationship of loving authority and deep care. It signifies that the instruction is not merely abstract philosophy but a heartfelt, personal appeal from a wise elder (father or teacher) to a younger, less experienced individual. This familial or mentorship context underscores the speaker's desire for the listener's well-being and flourishing, making the call to "hear" and "depart not" a compassionate plea rather than a harsh command. It implies a trust relationship where the wisdom shared is for the son's protection and benefit, as seen in the broader context of the father's instruction throughout [Proverbs 4](/proverbs/4 "Proverbs 4 - The Path of Wisdom and Folly").

**What does "depart not" imply about the nature of wisdom and obedience?**

Answer: The command "depart not" implies that wisdom is not a static concept to be learned once, but a dynamic path requiring continuous adherence and vigilance. It suggests that there will be temptations or pressures to deviate from the righteous way. True obedience, therefore, is not a one-time decision but a sustained commitment to remain on the path of God's instruction, resisting the allure of alternatives. It highlights the need for steadfastness and perseverance in living out the principles of wisdom, especially in the face of seductive influences like those described in [Proverbs 5:3-6](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-6 - The Deceptive Allure of the Adulteress").

**How does this verse relate to the warnings about the "strange woman" in the rest of Proverbs 5?**

Answer: Proverbs 5:7 serves as a critical pivot point within the father's extended warning against the "strange woman" (the adulteress). Having detailed her initial allure and the bitter consequences of her path in [Proverbs 5:1-6](/proverbs/5-1 "Proverbs 5:1-6 - Warnings Against Immorality"), this verse is a direct, urgent call for the son to internalize and obey the instruction given. It emphasizes that the only way to avoid the ruin described later in the chapter (e.g., [Proverbs 5:11-14](/proverbs/5-11 "Proverbs 5:11-14 - The Bitter End of Folly")) is through active, unwavering adherence to the words of wisdom. It's a plea for immediate and sustained moral vigilance in light of the profound dangers presented.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:7, with its earnest call to "hear" and "depart not from the words of my mouth," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wisdom tradition points to a path of righteousness, it is in Christ that perfect wisdom is embodied and fully revealed. He is presented in the New Testament as the very [wisdom of God](/1-corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom"), in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). The "words of my mouth" from the wise father in Proverbs foreshadow the words of Jesus, who declared, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - The Enduring Word of Christ")). To "hear" Jesus is to believe in Him and to obey His commands, which He identifies as the foundation for a stable and fruitful life ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Furthermore, the call to "depart not" from wisdom's path is fulfilled in Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, Truth, and Life")). Believers are called to abide in Him and His words, ensuring they do not stray from the path of eternal life. Thus, Proverbs 5:7 ultimately directs us to Jesus, the fount of all true wisdom, whose words alone bring life and whose path is the only one from which we must never depart.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 4:1

¶ Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

Proverbs 3:21

¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

Proverbs 4:21

Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

Proverbs 7:24

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

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

Proverbs 22:17

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

Proverbs 22:21

That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?