Proverbs 5:7Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don't depart from the words of my mouth.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. King Solomon's court in Jerusalem. A father teaching his sons about the dangers of adultery before they enter adulthood and marriage.
The emotion here: urgent paternal concern, knowing his sons will soon face real sexual temptation
The original word
banay (בָּנַי) — my sons, emphasizing intimate father-child relationship
Why it matters
In ancient Israel, fathers were legally responsible for their unmarried sons' sexual conduct
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 5:7
This isn't generic advice - it's a desperate father's plea before his sons face real temptation
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about avoiding all women, but it's specifically about rejecting adultery while celebrating marriage (the chapter ends praising marital love).
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 5:7
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 5:7 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 5:7 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include wisdom, obedience. Notable phrases: listen to me; don't depart. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 5:7 mean to you, today?
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