What is the meaning of Proverbs 5:1? My son “ My son ” (Proverbs 5:1) reveals an intimate, father-to-child tone. Solomon speaks as a caring parent, reflecting the Lord’s own paternal heart (Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-6). By addressing the reader personally: • We’re reminded that wisdom is passed along in relationship, not merely in abstract principles. • It signals accountability—sons inherit both privilege and responsibility (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • It prepares us to receive discipline and guidance with trust, “as newborn babies” longing for pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2). pay attention to my wisdom “ Pay attention ” calls for active, focused engagement. Wisdom here is not merely intellectual; it is tested, righteous skill for living in covenant with God (Proverbs 2:6; James 3:17). To “pay attention” means: • Prioritize—set aside distractions as Mary did at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39-42). • Value—treat wisdom as treasure (Proverbs 2:4-5; Matthew 13:44). • Obey—hearing must lead to doing (James 1:22-25). When a father says, “my wisdom,” he passes on truths he himself has received from the Lord (1 Chronicles 28:8-9). The verse invites us to see Scripture as generational counsel, proven and reliable (Psalm 119:89-90). incline your ear to my insight To “incline” the ear pictures deliberate leaning in, a posture of eagerness (Psalm 78:1; Mark 4:23-24). Insight (understanding) is the ability to discern motives and outcomes, protecting us from deception (Proverbs 7:7; Ephesians 5:15-17). Practically, inclining the ear involves: • Silence—turning down competing voices (Isaiah 30:15). • Submission—yielding preconceived ideas (Proverbs 12:15). • Perseverance—continual listening, like the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Such listening equips us to resist the seductive words described later in the chapter, guarding heart, marriage, and future (Proverbs 5:3-11). summary Proverbs 5:1 is a loving summons: “My child, lean close. Treat my God-given wisdom as priceless, and bend your ear until understanding sinks deep.” It calls every believer to embrace biblical counsel with the attentiveness of a devoted son, confident that the Father’s insight leads to life, purity, and lasting joy. |
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