Proverbs 7:24
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֣ה
H6258
בָ֭נִים
unto me now therefore O ye children
H1121
בָ֭נִים
unto me now therefore O ye children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שִׁמְעוּ
Hearken
H8085
שִׁמְעוּ
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
Proverbs functions as wisdom transmission from experienced to inexperienced, old to young, wise to foolish. The pedagogical model is observational - watch the fool's path and avoid it, watch the wise man's path and follow it. Hebrews 12:15-17 similarly uses Esau as negative example: learn from his failure without repeating it.
Questions for Reflection
- Whose failures can you learn from without personally repeating their mistakes?
- How can you cultivate wisdom through observation rather than requiring personal catastrophe?
- What warnings are you currently ignoring that observation of others should make compelling?
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore, children, listen to me; attend to my words. The Hebrew 'shama' (hear/obey) and 'qashav' (attend/heed) command responsive attention. After extensive warning about sexual seduction (7:6-23), Solomon directly exhorts his audience: learn from this! Observing others' folly should teach without personally experiencing destruction. Wisdom learns from others' mistakes; folly requires personal catastrophe to learn.