What is the meaning of Proverbs 5:13? I did not listen to the voice of my teachers “Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding” (Proverbs 4:1). The proverb assumes that God provides wise teachers—parents, pastors, seasoned believers—who speak His truth plainly. • Ignoring godly counsel is an act of willful rebellion (Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 30:9). • It shuts the door on life-giving correction that keeps us from sin’s traps (Proverbs 15:31; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). • The plea to “listen” echoes Moses’ charge to Israel to memorize and recite God’s words daily (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Hardness of heart grows each time a warning is brushed aside (Hebrews 3:12-13). Like a child covering his ears, the speaker confesses that he chose self-rule over submission to the truth his teachers faithfully delivered. or incline my ear to my mentors “To incline” pictures leaning in, eager to catch every syllable, much like Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39). Resisting that posture leads to spiritual deafness. • True mentors point us to the Lord, not themselves (1 Corinthians 11:1). • Humble, teachable ears receive wisdom that guards the soul (Proverbs 2:1-5; James 1:21). • God holds us accountable for light we refuse (Luke 12:47-48). • The contrast is stark: those who refuse counsel “eat the fruit of their own way” (Proverbs 1:31), while those who heed it “dwell securely” (Proverbs 1:33). The lament in Proverbs 5:13 follows the bitter consequences of adultery described in the chapter. Too late, the speaker recognizes that a simple tilt of the ear toward godly voices would have spared him deep regret. summary Proverbs 5:13 exposes the root of many falls: a stubborn refusal to hear and apply the counsel God graciously provides through trustworthy teachers and mentors. Listening is more than auditory; it is an attitude of humble obedience. The verse calls us to lean in, receive correction, and walk in the protective wisdom of God’s Word, avoiding the sorrow that comes from shutting our ears to truth. |
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