How does Psalm 58:5 connect to Proverbs on wisdom and folly? Hearing That Never Happens – Psalm 58:5 “[The wicked are] like a cobra that shuts its ears, that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.” (Psalm 58:4-5) David paints a vivid picture: certain hearts are so set against God that, like a “deaf” snake, they clamp down on any outside voice—even one that could save them. This deliberate refusal to hear is exactly what Proverbs calls “folly.” Shared Thread: Refusing to Listen • Psalm 58:5 shows a willful closing of the ears. • Proverbs constantly contrasts two kinds of ears: – Wise ears: open, teachable, quick to respond. – Foolish ears: closed, stubborn, self-protective. Key Proverbs Passages That Echo Psalm 58:5 • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” • Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Proverbs 13:1 – “A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.” • Proverbs 15:31-32 – “He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” • Proverbs 18:2 – “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.” • Proverbs 28:9 – “Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.” What Links the Two Books? 1. Same core issue—Teachability • Psalm 58:5: The cobra “will not heed.” • Proverbs: The fool “despises,” “ignores,” “turns his ear away.” 2. Same outcome—Destructive living • Psalm 58 speaks of “venom” and violence following the refusal. • Proverbs shows ruin, poverty, and shame tracking the fool (Proverbs 10:8, 13:18). 3. Same remedy—Choose to listen • Psalm 58 implies that only God can break through (v. 6, “O God, shatter their teeth”). • Proverbs urges proactive humility: “Listen to counsel… be wise in your latter days” (Proverbs 19:20). Practical Takeaways • A closed ear is not a neutral ear; it becomes lethal, like snake venom spreading unchallenged. • Listening is moral, not just intellectual—the wise man’s ear is an act of reverence (Proverbs 1:7). • The more skillful the “charmer” (teacher, parent, preacher), the sadder the tragedy when ears stay shut (Psalm 58:5 versus Proverbs 29:1). • Turning the ear toward Scripture, godly counsel, and the Spirit is the defining mark of wisdom. Living the Contrast Wise " Fool -------------------"---------------------- Opens the ear " Clamps the ear shut Receives rebuke " Rejects correction Lives peaceably " Spreads venom Progresses in grace " Hardened toward God Psalm 58:5 sets the stage; Proverbs supplies the commentary. One verse dramatizes the refusal; an entire book describes its consequences—and invites us to choose the better way. |
    |