My son
This phrase is a tender and personal address, indicating a relationship of care and authority. In the Hebrew context, "son" (בְּנִי, beni) is often used in wisdom literature to denote a disciple or learner, not just a biological child. It reflects the intimate and instructional relationship between a teacher and a student, emphasizing the importance of the guidance being offered. The use of "my son" suggests a familial bond, underscoring the responsibility of the elder to impart wisdom and the duty of the younger to receive it.

pay attention
The Hebrew root for "pay attention" (קָשַׁב, qashab) implies an active, intentional listening. It is not merely hearing words but engaging with them, considering their meaning and implications. This phrase calls for a focused and deliberate effort to understand and internalize the wisdom being shared. In the biblical context, paying attention is often linked with obedience and the pursuit of righteousness, suggesting that wisdom requires not just intellectual assent but also practical application.

to my wisdom
"Wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) in the Hebrew Bible is more than knowledge; it is skill in living according to God's design. It encompasses moral and ethical understanding, discernment, and the ability to make godly choices. The speaker claims possession of this wisdom, indicating that it is divinely inspired and trustworthy. In the broader scriptural context, wisdom is personified and is seen as a gift from God, essential for a life that honors Him.

incline your ear
This phrase suggests a posture of humility and eagerness to learn. The Hebrew verb (נָטָה, natah) means to stretch out or extend, indicating an active effort to listen and understand. It conveys the idea of bending one's will and attention towards the speaker, demonstrating a readiness to receive instruction. In the biblical tradition, inclining one's ear is often associated with submission to God's will and openness to His guidance.

to my understanding
"Understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, tebunah) is closely related to wisdom but emphasizes insight and discernment. It involves the ability to see beyond the surface and grasp the deeper truths of a situation. The speaker's understanding is presented as reliable and beneficial, offering clarity and direction. In the context of Proverbs, understanding is portrayed as a vital component of a godly life, enabling individuals to navigate the complexities of the world with integrity and faithfulness.

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom and understanding.

2. The Son
Represents the recipient of wisdom, which can be understood as any believer or follower seeking guidance and instruction.

3. Wisdom
In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and is a central theme. It is portrayed as a divine attribute that leads to a righteous and fulfilling life.

4. Understanding
Closely related to wisdom, understanding involves discernment and insight, enabling one to apply knowledge effectively.

5. The Path of Righteousness
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Proverbs often contrasts the path of righteousness with the path of folly.The Importance of Listening
Actively listening to wisdom is crucial for spiritual growth and moral integrity. It requires humility and a willingness to learn.

The Role of Parental Guidance
Parents and mentors play a vital role in imparting wisdom. Their experiences and insights are valuable resources for navigating life's challenges.

Wisdom as a Divine Gift
True wisdom comes from God and is rooted in a relationship with Him. Seeking wisdom should be a continual pursuit in a believer's life.

Discernment in Daily Life
Applying wisdom and understanding helps in making sound decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of folly and sin.

The Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom
Ignoring wisdom can lead to destructive paths. Proverbs often contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly, urging adherence to wise counsel.Verses 1-23. - 8. Eighth admonitory discourse. Warning against adultery, and commendation of marriage. The teacher, in this discourse, recurs to a subject which he has glanced at before in Proverbs 2:15-19, and which he again treats of in the latter part of the sixth and in the whole of the seventh chapters. This constant recurrence to the same subject, repulsive on account of its associations, shows, however, the importance which it had in the teacher's estimation as a ground of warning, and that he ranked it among the foremost of the temptations and sins which called the young off from the pursuit of Wisdom, and so led them astray from "the fear of the Lord." The vividness with which the ruin, bodily and moral, ensuing with absolute certainty on a life of vice, is described is a sufficient proof in itself that the subject before us is not brought forward from or for voluptuous motives, but for the purpose of conveying an impressive warning. Some commentators, e.g. Delitzsch, include the first six verses in the previous discourse; but the unity of the subject requires a different treatment. Zockler's reason against this arrangement, on the ground that the previous discourse was addressed to "tender youth," and thus to youth in a state of pupilage, while the one before us refers to more advanced age - to the married man - may be true, but is not the true ground for incorporating them in the present discourse. The unity of the subject requires that they should be taken with the central and didactic part of the discourse, as being in a sense introductory to it. The discourse divides itself into three sections.

(1) The earnest appeal to attention because of the counter-attraction in the blandishments of the harlot, which, however, in the end, are bitter as wormwood and sharp as a two-edged sword (vers. 1-6).

(2) The main or didactic section (vers. 7-20), embracing

(a) warnings against adulterous intercourse with "the strange woman" (vers. 7-14); . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

My son,
בְּ֭נִי (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

pay attention
הַקְשִׁ֑יבָה (haq·šî·ḇāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7181: To prick up the ears, hearken

to my wisdom;
לְחָכְמָתִ֣י (lə·ḥā·ḵə·mā·ṯî)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

incline
הַט־ (haṭ-)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

your ear
אָזְנֶֽךָ׃ (’ā·zə·ne·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

to my understanding,
לִ֝תְבוּנָתִ֗י (liṯ·ḇū·nā·ṯî)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:1 My son pay attention to my wisdom (Prov. Pro Pr)