Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
Hear {H8085} me now therefore, O ye children {H1121}, and depart {H5493} not from the words {H561} of my mouth {H6310}.
So now, children, listen to me; don't turn away from what I am saying:
So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.
Now therefore, mysons, hearken unto me, And depart not from the words of my mouth.
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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?
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
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:
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.