Proverbs 7:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} unto me now therefore, O ye children {H1121}, and attend {H7181} to the words {H561} of my mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, children, listen to me; pay attention to what I am saying.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth.

American Standard Version

Now therefore, mysons, hearken unto me, And attend to the words of my mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:24 serves as a profound and urgent interjection within the wisdom teacher's extended warning against the seductive allure of the adulteress, often referred to as the "strange woman." Following a vivid and sobering recounting of a naive youth's catastrophic downfall, this verse functions as a solemn, personal plea, directly addressing the listener as "children." It emphatically calls for complete, undivided attention to the profound and life-preserving wisdom being imparted, underscoring the critical importance of not merely hearing, but actively heeding and internalizing this vital instruction, given the serious and often irreversible consequences of ignoring such earnest counsel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 7:24 is strategically positioned as a pivotal turning point within a lengthy and detailed cautionary narrative (Proverbs 7:6-23) that vividly portrays the cunning tactics of the "strange woman" and the tragic, irreversible fate of the young man ensnared by her. The preceding verses (Proverbs 7:1-5) had already established the foundational importance of treasuring wisdom's commands as a protective measure, likening them to the apple of one's eye. Therefore, verse 24 functions as a solemn, emphatic pause—a renewed and urgent appeal for the listener to internalize the profound, life-or-death lesson just presented. It serves to draw the reader back from the vivid narrative of temptation and consequence, re-centering their focus on the imperative to receive and apply wisdom. This direct interjection elevates the gravity of the warning, transforming it from a mere illustrative story into a direct, personal exhortation, echoing the broader instructional framework of [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1-9 - The Call to Wisdom") where the father consistently implores his son to embrace wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the transmission of wisdom was predominantly an oral tradition, occurring most significantly within the family unit, from father to son, or from a sage to his disciples. The "father" figure in Proverbs represents not only a biological parent but also a revered wisdom teacher or mentor, whose words carried immense authority. The concept of "hearkening" or "attending" (Hebrew: *shama'*) carried profound weight, implying not just auditory perception but also deep understanding, wholehearted acceptance, and ultimately, obedient action. Disobedience to a father's instruction, especially in matters of moral and spiritual conduct, was seen as a grave offense against both familial honor and the divine order established by God. The "strange woman" (often translated as "foreign woman" or "adulteress") represented a profound and tangible threat to the social, moral, and spiritual fabric of the community, undermining family integrity, leading individuals into idolatry, and pulling them away from the covenant relationship with God. The emphasis on listening to "the words of my mouth" highlights the authoritative, personal, and life-giving nature of spoken wisdom in a culture where oral instruction was paramount for moral formation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs, particularly within its introductory chapters. Firstly, it amplifies **The Urgency of Heeding Wisdom**, emphasizing that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge to be acquired, but a practical, life-preserving imperative that demands immediate and earnest engagement. The repeated commands to "Hearken" and "attend" underscore the critical necessity of active, obedient listening, especially in the face of life's most dangerous and deceptive temptations. Secondly, it highlights the **Parental/Mentor's Earnest Plea**, beautifully illustrating the deep, compassionate heart of a wise teacher or parent who genuinely desires their protégé to avoid pitfalls and choose the path of life. This reflects the profound pastoral concern woven throughout Proverbs, where wisdom is presented as a loving gift from a benevolent authority. Finally, by calling for focused attention immediately after a detailed warning about destruction, the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **Discerning Life Paths**. It reminds the listener that life presents clear, binary choices between paths of righteousness and folly, and that wisdom, diligently received and applied, is the principal means by which one navigates these choices successfully, leading to life and avoiding the "paths of death" so vividly described in [Proverbs 2:18](/proverbs/2-18 "Proverbs 2:18 - Paths to Death"). This echoes the foundational call to choose wisdom found throughout [Proverbs 4](/proverbs/4 "Proverbs 4 - The Path of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies to hear intelligently, often implying deep attention, full understanding, and, crucially, obedience. It is far more than merely perceiving sound; it is about the active reception of a message with the intent to respond appropriately and faithfully. In the biblical context, especially when referring to God's voice, to "hearken" means to obey His commands, making it a foundational concept for covenant faithfulness and a responsive relationship with the divine.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term primarily refers to a son, but in its widest sense, it encompasses any descendant, subject, or, most relevantly in wisdom literature, anyone under instruction or mentorship. It signifies a relationship of learning, submission to the teacher's authority, and benevolent care. The use of "children" here underscores the paternal tone and the vulnerability of the audience who needs guidance.
* **attend (Hebrew, _qâshab'_):** This primitive root means "to prick up the ears," or to give heed, to incline, or to mark well. It intensifies the command to "hearken," emphasizing a deliberate, focused, and concentrated effort to listen closely and absorb the instruction. The pairing of *shâmaʻ* and *qâshab* creates a powerful rhetorical emphasis on the absolute necessity of undivided, intentional attention, implying a mental and spiritual posture of readiness to receive and obey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children,"**: This opening clause is a direct, urgent, and personal command. "Hearken unto me" (H8085 *shâmaʻ*) is an imperative, demanding immediate and intelligent reception of the speaker's words. The adverbial phrase "now therefore" adds a sense of immediacy and logical consequence, implying that in light of the preceding vivid warning of danger and destruction, listening is the only sensible and life-preserving response. The address "O ye children" (H1121 *bên*) directly identifies the audience as those under instruction, highlighting the paternal or mentoring relationship and the inherent responsibility of the listener to receive wisdom from a trusted, caring source.
* **"and attend to the words of my mouth."**: This second clause powerfully reinforces and specifies the nature of the required attention. "Attend" (H7181 *qâshab*) is another strong imperative, emphasizing a focused, deliberate inclination of the ear and mind, a leaning in to hear every nuance. The object of this intense attention is "the words of my mouth" (H561 *ʼêmer* and H6310 *peh*), which refers to the specific, spoken instruction being delivered by the wisdom teacher. This phrase underscores the authoritative, personal, and vital nature of the counsel, originating directly from the one who possesses and imparts life-giving wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:24 employs several effective literary devices to amplify its message and compel the listener to action. The primary device is the pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood**, seen in the direct commands "Hearken" and "attend." This creates an immediate sense of urgency and directness, compelling the listener to immediate and decisive action rather than passive reception. This is powerfully coupled with **Direct Address** ("O ye children"), which establishes a personal, intimate, and relational tone, drawing the audience into a dynamic of trust and responsibility with the speaker. The strategic use of **Repetition** through synonymous parallelism ("Hearken unto me" and "attend to the words of my mouth") further serves to emphasize the critical importance of the message. The two commands, though distinct in their nuance (general hearing with understanding versus focused, deliberate attention), reinforce each other, ensuring the listener fully grasps the depth of engagement and commitment required. This rhetorical strategy ensures that the call to wisdom is not easily dismissed but resonates with solemn authority and profound, loving concern.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:24, with its urgent call to "hearken" and "attend," resonates deeply with the pervasive biblical emphasis on the paramount importance of hearing and obeying God's voice. The wisdom teacher's earnest plea mirrors God's consistent and loving call to His people throughout Scripture to listen to His commands, for in them lies true life, blessing, and flourishing. This verse underscores that true wisdom is not merely intellectual assent or passive reception of information but an active, responsive engagement with divine truth that leads to transformed living and righteous conduct. The father's profound desire for his "children" to avoid destruction and embrace life reflects God's own compassionate heart for humanity, continually calling them away from destructive paths of sin and folly and towards His life-giving ways. To ignore such counsel, whether from a human mentor, a parent, or from God Himself, is to invite folly and its bitter, often irreversible consequences, a theme woven throughout the wisdom literature, prophetic warnings, and the historical narratives of Israel's disobedience.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:24 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant challenge for contemporary life. In an age saturated with information, digital noise, and countless competing voices vying for our attention, the call to "hearken" and "attend" becomes even more critically important. It reminds us that true wisdom and spiritual discernment require intentionality—a deliberate, conscious choice to tune out the clamor of distractions and focus our minds and hearts on what truly matters, particularly the voice of God. This means actively engaging with God's Word, not as a passive recipient, but as one who seeks to understand, internalize, and obey its life-transforming truths. It also means humbly seeking and valuing wise counsel from trusted mentors, spiritual leaders, and those who have walked the path of faith before us, recognizing that God often speaks through His people. Just as the father in Proverbs earnestly desired his son's well-being and protection from destructive paths, God desires our flourishing, our holiness, and our eternal good, and His wisdom, revealed in Scripture and through His Spirit, is the only sure pathway to it. Our spiritual health, moral integrity, and ultimate destiny depend on our willingness to truly listen, discern, and apply the truths that protect us from the seductive deceptions and destructive allure of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What voices or distractions in my life currently prevent me from truly "hearkening" to God's wisdom and discerning His will?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to "attend" more closely to the "words" of God's mouth, as revealed in Scripture and through prayer?**
* **Who are the wise mentors, spiritual authorities, or trusted counselors in my life whose counsel I should be more diligently seeking, listening to, and applying?**

### FAQ
**Why does the father repeat the command to listen so emphatically in this verse?**

Answer: The emphatic repetition of commands like "Hearken" (H8085 *shâmaʻ*) and "attend" (H7181 *qâshab*) serves to underscore the extreme urgency and critical importance of the message being conveyed. Following the vivid and detailed narrative of the young man's downfall in [Proverbs 7:6-23](/proverbs/7-6 "Proverbs 7:6-23 - The Folly of the Naive"), the father pauses to ensure that the listener fully grasps the gravity of the warning and the dire consequences of ignoring it. This rhetorical strategy aims to cut through any complacency, distraction, or casual hearing, demanding full, undivided, and intentional attention to the life-preserving wisdom being offered. It highlights that mere casual hearing is insufficient; active, obedient, and discerning listening is absolutely required to avoid similar pitfalls and embrace the path of life.

**Who are the "children" being addressed in this proverb?**

Answer: While "children" (H1121 *bên*) can literally refer to biological offspring, in the broader context of Proverbs, it broadly designates anyone under the instruction of a wisdom teacher or mentor. This includes literal sons, but also disciples, students, or any individual receptive to learning and growing in wisdom. The address emphasizes a relationship of authority, love, and care, where the teacher imparts vital knowledge for the well-being, moral formation, and spiritual flourishing of the listener. This broad application means the counsel is relevant to anyone seeking to walk in the path of righteousness and avoid folly, as seen in the general call to wisdom found throughout the book, such as in [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Hear, my son").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:24, with its urgent call to "hearken" and "attend" to the words of the wisdom teacher, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine Wisdom, not merely one who imparts it, but Wisdom personified, present with God from the beginning of creation (cf. [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call")). Just as the father in Proverbs pleads with his children to listen for their very lives, so Jesus, the Son of God and the ultimate Teacher, repeatedly called His disciples and the crowds to "Hear" and "listen" to His words, for His words are not merely human counsel but "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")). He is the ultimate authority, whose "words of mouth" are not just good advice but the very words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")), leading to salvation and true freedom. The warnings against the "strange woman" in Proverbs, representing the seductive allure of sin, worldly folly, and spiritual adultery, are ultimately overcome by heeding Christ's voice, which leads to true freedom from sin's bondage and protection from eternal destruction ([John 8:31-32](/john/8-31 "John 8:31-32 - Truth Sets You Free")). To "attend" to Jesus' teachings and obey His commands is to build one's life on the unshakeable rock, ensuring stability and eternal flourishing in the face of life's storms ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - Building on the Rock")), for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")).

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 5:7

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

Proverbs 4:1

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

1 John 2:1

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Proverbs 8:32

¶ Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed [are they that] keep my ways.

Proverbs 8:33

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

Galatians 4:19

¶ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

1 Corinthians 4:14

¶ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].