My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.1
The beginning and essence of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.2 Practical wisdom for living is the central concern of the book of Proverbs. It is a collection of Israelite wisdom literature. The book includes the work of various authors, but much of it by King Solomon.3 Definitely, the wisdom that Solomon speaks about here is godly wisdom, not worldly wisdom; E.g., When Solomon asked God for an understanding mind that he may discern between good and evil so he could govern his people, it was godly wisdom.4 In contrast, his motive to maintain peace and political bonds during his reign by means of marriage to women from the subservient nations was worldly wisdom; inevitably, his wives turned away his heart from God.5
Discretion is defined as the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.6 Notably, Solomon began by addressing his son (singular), then shifts to sons (plural)—And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.7 The admonition or encouragement is meant for all. Figuratively, he used “your lips” and “my mouth.” He was giving a vivid picture of the spoken word’s power. Recall, the Spirit of God8 or Ruakh in Hebrew means breath, wind, spirit. God created the physical world through his spoken words.9
Likewise, our words have the power to create or destroy. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.10 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.11
The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies from lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.12 To be held fast in chords is to be bound, neutralized, helpless. Similar analogies would be shackle and chains,13 hands and feet bound with linen strips,14 or bound with two chains.15 In all instances intervention was needed. Should you find yourself in a bind, seek help. God’s grace is sufficient. Remain faithful.
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, . . .16 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.17
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.18 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Proverbs 5:1-2
2. Proverbs 1:7; 9:10
3. Proverbs, Introduction. ESV Text Edition:2011
4. 1 Kings 3:1-15
5. 1 Kings 3:1; 11:1-8
6. Dictionary, from Oxford Languages
7. Proverbs 5:1, 7
8. Genesis 1:2
9. The Creation of the World, Genesis 1:1-27
10. Proverbs 18:21
11. Galatians 5:14-15
12. Proverbs 5:22-23
13. Mark 4:3-4
14. John 11:43-44
15. Acts 12:6-11
16. Proverbs 12:4
17. Proverbs 5:15-19
18. Psalm 67:1-3
