Proverbs Chapter 5 · Verse 13
And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
Original Language Analysis
וְֽלֹא
H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁ֭מַעְתִּי
And have not obeyed
H8085
שָׁ֭מַעְתִּי
And have not obeyed
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מוֹרָ֑י
of my teachers
H3384
מוֹרָ֑י
of my teachers
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
וְ֝לִֽמְלַמְּדַ֗י
to them that instructed
H3925
וְ֝לִֽמְלַמְּדַ֗י
to them that instructed
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Hebrews 13:7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.1 Thessalonians 4:8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.Luke 15:18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
Historical Context
Israel's prophetic history illustrates this repeatedly. Jeremiah 25:3-4 records: 'From the thirteenth year of Josiah...even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened.' Persistent instruction met persistent refusal.
Questions for Reflection
- What teachers or instructors in your life deserve greater attention than you're giving?
- How can you 'incline your ear' more actively to godly counsel rather than passively ignoring it?
- What prevents you from heeding instruction you know is wise and good?
Analysis & Commentary
The lamenter continues: 'I obeyed not my teachers nor inclined my ear to my instructors.' This confession acknowledges both disobedience and inattention. The Hebrew 'shama' (hear/obey) and 'natah' (incline/extend) describe active engagement that was refused. Teachers were available, instruction was offered, the student simply wouldn't engage. The tragedy is rejected opportunity - wisdom was accessible but refused.