Proverbs 5:7
ESV
And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
NIV
Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.
NASB
Now then, my sons, listen to me And do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
CSB
So now, sons, listen to me, and don’t turn away from the words from my mouth.
NLT
So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say:
KJV
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
NKJV
Therefore hear me now, my children, And do not depart from the words of my mouth.
What does Proverbs 5:7 mean?
Solomon urges his sons, using a plural term. This most likely means he is referring to students; it was a common practice in that era to use parent-child terminology in a teaching relationship. He urges these students to listen to him and not abandon his wise counsel. A parent or teacher can provide sound teaching for his children or students, but each of them is individually responsible to incorporate the teaching into his life.Timothy is a good example of someone who received excellent teaching in his childhood and honored it throughout his formative years. In 2 Timothy 1:5 Paul told Timothy, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." In the same letter he wrote: "But as for you [Timothy], continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14–15).
