Proverbs 5:1
Proverbs 5:1 in Multiple Translations
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight,
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
My son, attend unto my wisdom; Incline thine ear to my understanding:
My son, give attention to my wisdom; let your ear be turned to my teaching:
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen carefully as I explain what makes sense,
My sonne, hearken vnto my wisedome, and incline thine eare vnto my knowledge.
My son! to my wisdom give attention, To mine understanding incline thine ear,
My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding,
My son, attend to my wisdom, and bow thy ear to my understanding:
My son, attend to my wisdom, and incline thy ear to my prudence.
My son, listen carefully to some more wise things that I will tell you. Listen well to what I am going to teach you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 5:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 5:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ֭נִ/י
לְ/חָכְמָתִ֣/י
הַקְשִׁ֑יבָ/ה
לִ֝/תְבוּנָתִ֗/י
הַט
אָזְנֶֽ/ךָ
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
לְ/חָכְמָתִ֣/י
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Prep | N-fs | Suff
הַקְשִׁ֑יבָ/ה
qâshab
H7181
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִ֝/תְבוּנָתִ֗/י
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
Prep | N-fs | Suff
הַט
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אָזְנֶֽ/ךָ
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 5:1
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לְ/חָכְמָתִ֣/י
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
הַקְשִׁ֑יבָ/ה
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
לִ֝/תְבוּנָתִ֗/י
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
הַט
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אָזְנֶֽ/ךָ
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 5:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 5:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 5:1
Context — Avoiding Immorality
1My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight,
2that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:17 | Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge— |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:20 | My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. |
| 3 | Proverbs 2:1 | My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, |
| 4 | Revelation 2:11 | He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death. |
| 5 | Revelation 2:17 | He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it. |
| 6 | Mark 4:23 | If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” |
| 7 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 8 | Revelation 3:13 | He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. |
| 9 | Proverbs 4:1 | Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. |
| 10 | Revelation 3:6 | He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. |
Proverbs 5:1 Summary
This verse is urging us to listen carefully to wise advice and guidance, just like a son would listen to his father. By paying attention to wisdom, we can gain the knowledge and understanding we need to make good choices and live a virtuous life (as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10). This requires humility and a willingness to learn from others, and it can help us develop discretion and preserve knowledge, as stated in Proverbs 5:2. By seeking out wise counsel and listening to God's wisdom, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Isaiah 30:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the father in Proverbs 5:1 urging his son to pay attention to his wisdom?
The father is urging his son to pay attention to his wisdom because he wants his son to make good choices and live a virtuous life, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10. By listening to his father's wisdom, the son can gain the knowledge and understanding he needs to navigate life's challenges.
What does it mean to 'incline your ear' to someone's insight?
To incline your ear to someone's insight means to lean in and listen carefully to what they have to say, giving their words your full attention, as seen in Isaiah 55:3 and Psalm 78:1. This requires humility and a willingness to learn from others.
Why is the father's wisdom important for the son to hear?
The father's wisdom is important for the son to hear because it will help him develop discretion and preserve knowledge, as stated in Proverbs 5:2. This wisdom will also protect him from the dangers of sin and foolishness, as warned against in Proverbs 5:3 and Proverbs 6:20-24.
How can we apply the principle of Proverbs 5:1 to our own lives today?
We can apply the principle of Proverbs 5:1 by seeking out wise counsel and listening to the advice of those who are older and wiser, such as parents, mentors, or spiritual leaders, as encouraged in Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Peter 5:5. We can also prioritize Bible study and prayer, as seen in Psalm 119:97-100 and Matthew 4:4, to gain wisdom and insight from God Himself.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'pay attention' to God's wisdom in my life, and what might be the consequences if I don't?
- How can I 'incline my ear' to God's insight, especially when I'm faced with difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances?
- What are some potential dangers or pitfalls that I might face if I don't listen to wise counsel, and how can I protect myself from them?
- How can I balance the desire to learn from others with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- In what ways can I prioritize seeking wisdom and insight in my daily life, and what role can Bible study, prayer, and fellowship play in this pursuit?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:1
My son, attend unto my wisdom,.... Not the wisdom of the world or of the flesh, worldly wisdom and carnal policy; but spiritual and evangelical wisdom; such as one that is greater than Solomon has in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:1
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: Proverbs 5:1-23.-Prefatory exhortation to the study of wisdom.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:1
Proverbs 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, [and] bow thine ear to my understanding:Ver. 1. My son, attend unto my wisdom.] Aristotle could say that young men are but cross and crooked hearers of moral philosophy, and have much need to be stirred up to diligent attendance. Fornication is by many of them held a peccadillo; and Aristotle spareth not to confess the disability of moral wisdom to rectify the intemperance of nature; which also he made good in his practice, for he used a common strumpet to satisfy his lust. Ethic., lib. vii. cap. 3,4.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:1
CHAPTER V Farther exhortations to acquire wisdom, 1, 2. The character of a loose woman, and the ruinous consequences of attachment to such, 3-14. Exhortations to chastity and moderation, 15-21. The miserable end of the wicked, 22, 23. NOTES ON CHAP. V Verse 1. Attend unto my wisdom] Take the following lessons from my own experience.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:1
Tenth Address. Chap. 5. Proverbs 5:1-23 The subject of this chapter, of which the seventh commandment might be the title, is one throughout. Against the unholy passion to be shunned (Proverbs 5:1-14) is set the holy love to be cherished (Proverbs 5:15-23). 1. bow] Rather, incline, R.V., because the same Heb. word is so rendered Proverbs 4:20.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:1
The formula of a new counsel, introducing another warning against the besetting sin of youth Proverbs 2:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:1
TO , Proverbs 5:1-14.In this chapter the royal sage renews his exhortations to acquire wisdom, (Proverbs 5:1-2;) and, as there is nothing which is more pernicious in general, and more detrimental to
Sermons on Proverbs 5:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Steak and Snake by Carter Conlon | The sermon from Malachi chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of having oil in our lamps, symbolizing the need for spiritual readiness in a darkening world. It warns against the sedu |
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The Wisest Man Who Ever Lived by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's presence and the truth found in the songs sung during the service. The sermon focuses on Proverbs chapter 5 an |
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The End (Acharyth) by Michael L. Brown | Michael L. Brown emphasizes the importance of recognizing the 'Acharit' or the end consequences of our actions, urging believers to remain vigilant against sin and temptation. He s |
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The Peril and Power of Porn by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the critical issue of pornography in his sermon 'The Peril and Power of Porn,' emphasizing the alarming statistics and the spiritual dangers associated with |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn |
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God's Dealing With Me - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following four directions in order to receive the life and health that come from God's word. The first direction is to att |
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(1 Peter - Part 18): On Laying Aside Certain Things by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is God who infuses the element of eternity into everything. Without God's intervention, mortality and corruptibility are inevitable. |