Proverbs 5:13

And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

Proverbs 5:13 (KJV)

Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, attributed mainly to King Solomon. It gives practical guidance for living a righteous and wise life. Proverbs 5 warns against adultery and urges faithfulness in marriage. This verse is part of a speech by a person who has fallen into moral ruin and now looks back with regret. He admits that he refused to listen to those who tried to teach him.

Meaning

The verse names two failures. First, the speaker did not obey the voice of his teachers. Second, he did not incline his ear to those who instructed him. To incline the ear means to turn the ear toward someone, to listen carefully and willingly. The speaker did the opposite: he turned away, stopped his ears, and refused to receive what was said. The teachers here include parents, tutors, masters, and ministers of God’s word. Their advice, commands, and sermons made no lasting impression on him and were of no use to him. This shows that hearing is not enough; the heart must receive and act on the instruction.

Biblical connections

In Proverbs, the voice of teachers often stands for wisdom itself. Wisdom calls out publicly and pleads with people to listen (Proverbs 1:20-23). Rejecting that call leads to ruin, as this verse shows. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and listening to instruction is one way that fear shows itself. This verse illustrates the painful result of refusing correction and discipline. The broader context of Proverbs emphasizes that wisdom begins with honoring God, and ignoring wise counsel is a step away from Him.

Application

We should actively seek wise counsel. Surround yourself with mentors, teachers, and friends who know God’s ways, and ask for their advice when making decisions. Their insights can help you avoid foolish and destructive choices. Cultivate humility by admitting that you do not have all the answers. Be ready to learn from those with more experience and knowledge. When you receive instruction, be an active listener. Take time to understand the lesson and apply it to your life. Do not merely hear the words; let them change how you think and act. Consider how you respond to correction. A teachable spirit is a sign of wisdom, while stubbornness often leads to regret.

Reflection

This verse invites us to examine our own hearts. Are there voices of wisdom we have ignored? Have we turned away from godly advice because it was hard to accept? Regret is a painful teacher, but it can lead us back to humility. Today we can still choose to listen. We can open our ears to God’s word, to wise mentors, and to the gentle correction of the Spirit. By doing so, we align ourselves with the path of life and avoid the sorrow that comes from refusing instruction.