Definition: My son, attend unto my wisdom, [and] bow thine ear to my understanding:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Proverbs 5:1 – it’s a really important and gentle message about how we should treat our relationships with others. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, this verse is telling us to listen carefully and be thoughtful about how we interact with people. Let’s unpack it word by word: “My son” : This refers to a young person – likely someone who needs guidance and instruction. “Attend unto my wisdom” : This means pay attention to what I'm saying, to the advice I'm giving. It’s about being open to learning and understanding. “[and] Bow thine ear” : This is a bit more poetic. “Bow thine ear” suggests listening with respect and humility – not just passively hearing, but truly understanding . It means to soften your ears and mind. “To my understanding” : This is the core of the verse. It's asking us to be thoughtful and consider the consequences of our actions and words. So, putting it all together: The verse is a call for self-reflection and thoughtful behavior. It’s urging us to listen carefully to what others say and understand their intentions before reacting or acting in a way that might harm ourselves or others. What does this mean practically? It means: Don't be quick to judge: Think before you speak, and try to understand people's perspectives. Be gentle with your words: Avoid harsh or hurtful language. Treat others with respect: Value human relationships and avoid taking them for granted. In short, Proverbs 5:1 is a reminder to be wise, thoughtful, and kind in our interactions with everyone around us. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of a specific part of this verse more deeply?

Definition: Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Proverbs 5:10. It’s a really important message about how we should handle our possessions and our lives. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to be careful with our wealth (things we own) and not let it go to waste or cause problems for others. It warns against being overly focused on material things that could lead to unhappiness and trouble. Let's unpack it word by word: “Proverbs 5:10” : This is the title of the verse, pointing us to a wise proverb. “Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth…” : This means “if you are rich, others might become unhappy or even troubled by your wealth.” Think of it like this: if you’re too focused on accumulating money and aren't sharing it generously, it can create problems for others. “and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger” : This is the key part. “Labour” means work – things we do, our efforts, and how we spend our time. "In the house of a stranger" means living somewhere else, away from your home and familiar surroundings. It’s suggesting that if you're too busy with your own pursuits, you might not be as helpful or kind to others. So, what does it mean practically? It’s saying: Don't let your wealth become a burden on others. Focus on being generous and helping people rather than just accumulating more money for yourself. It encourages us to use our resources wisely and with consideration for those around us. In essence, the verse is a gentle reminder to be mindful of how we handle our possessions and avoid causing harm or distress to others through our wealth. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to live this principle in your own life?

Definition: And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 5:11. It’s a really important message about how we should handle our desires and passions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that if you become obsessed with something – whether it's pleasure, wealth, power, or anything else – you might end up feeling sad and regretful when your physical body or everything you’ve worked for fades away. It’s a warning about being consumed by our desires. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou mournest at the last…” : This is a strong statement. “Last” means after everything else has happened. It’s not something that happens before . “…when thy flesh and thy body are consumed.” : This is the key part. "Flesh" refers to your physical body – your wants, needs, and desires. "Consumed" means completely taken over by those desires. It's like a fire that burns everything down. What does it mean practically? It’s about excessive desire: The verse suggests that when we crave things more than we need them, we risk losing sight of what truly matters – our relationship with God and with each other. It's a warning against unhealthy attachments: It warns us against getting trapped in a cycle of wanting and needing. If you’re constantly chasing after something that doesn’t bring lasting happiness or peace, it can lead to unhappiness. It encourages self-control: The verse is a call for discipline and resisting temptation. It's about choosing to focus on things that are good and beneficial, rather than being consumed by negative desires. In short, the verse reminds us that our desires need to be balanced with a focus on God and our well-being. Does this mean we should mourn? Not necessarily in the sense of sadness. It’s more about recognizing the potential for pain and regret if we let our desires control us. It's a gentle reminder that true happiness comes from a healthy relationship with ourselves and others, not just from chasing after things. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?

Definition: And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 5:12. It’s a really important one about how we should treat God and ourselves. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we've been too harsh on ourselves – we’ve been rejecting guidance and correction, even when it’s offered to us. It suggests a pattern of resisting learning and growth. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And say…” : This sets up a question or apology. “…How have I hated instruction…” : This is the core of the verse. The speaker is admitting they’ve been actively rejecting advice, guidance, and correction. It's like saying, "I’ve been resisting things that could help me become better." "...and my heart despised reproof;" : This is where it gets a little more poetic. “My heart” : This refers to our feelings and emotions – specifically, our tendency to be resistant or judgmental. “…despised reproof” : This means the speaker feels deeply uncomfortable with receiving reproof – that’s gentle correction or guidance. It's like feeling angry or upset when someone tells you you're doing something wrong. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? It's saying that we need to be open to learning and growing. We shouldn’t stubbornly refuse to accept help and wisdom from God, our teachers, or even ourselves. We need to want to understand things better and improve. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be humble: Recognize that we don't always have all the answers and that learning is a lifelong process. Seek wisdom: Actively look for guidance and understanding from God, wise people, or our own conscience. Grow in character: Embrace correction as an opportunity to become better people. In short, the verse warns against stubborn resistance to help and encourages a willingness to learn and grow. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse within a specific context (like relationships or personal growth)?

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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 5:13. It's a really important one about our relationship with wisdom and guidance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “I haven’t listened to the advice and teachings of wise people or mentors.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Have not obeyed…” : This is a strong statement – you’re actively refusing to follow someone's suggestions. “…the voice of my teachers…” : This refers to wise people, counselors, spiritual leaders, anyone who has offered guidance or advice. It could be your parents, religious figures, trusted friends, or even just people you admire for their wisdom. “…nor inclined mine ear…” : This means you haven’t been receptive to their advice. You haven't listened carefully and considered what they said. You haven’t valued their insights. The overall message is about humility and valuing wise counsel. It suggests a need to be open to different perspectives and to recognize that even the best people can sometimes offer incorrect or flawed guidance. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be more discerning: It reminds us to carefully evaluate advice, rather than just blindly following it. Seek wisdom: It highlights the importance of seeking guidance from those who have experience and understanding – wise people. Avoid arrogance: It warns against being overly confident in our own judgment and refusing to learn from others. In short, Proverbs 5:13 is a call to humility and recognize that true wisdom comes from listening to others, rather than relying solely on our own thoughts. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how this principle applies in everyday life?

Definition: I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 5:14. It’s a really important message about how we should handle our interactions with others – especially when we're surrounded by people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “I was tempted to do something wrong or harmful while I was participating in a group of people.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Almost in all evil” : This isn't about actually doing something bad. It means we were feeling a temptation, a pull towards wrongdoing or negative behavior. We were vulnerable to being swayed by our own desires or thoughts. “In the midst of the congregation and assembly” : This is key. “Congregation” refers to a group – a crowd, a gathering – and “assembly” means a meeting or gathering. So it’s happening while we're part of a group . It suggests we were in a situation where we were surrounded by people who could influence us. What does this mean for us? It’s a reminder that we need to be careful about our thoughts and actions when we’re around others. It means: Be mindful of your behavior: We should strive to keep ourselves in control, especially when surrounded by people. Don't let temptation lead you astray: We shouldn’t let fleeting impulses or desires cloud our judgment. Seek God’s guidance: Proverbs encourages us to seek His help and wisdom so we can make good choices. In essence, the verse is a call for self-control and responsibility – reminding us that we need to be aware of how we react to others in group settings. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some practical tips on how to avoid temptation?

Definition: Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this proverb from Proverbs 5:15. It’s a really important message about how we should treat our own things – our thoughts, desires, and even our time – rather than relying on external things to fill us up. Here's the simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Don't waste your precious resources (time, energy, money, relationships) on things that aren’t truly beneficial for you. If you pour water into a dirty or small container, it will quickly spill over and contaminate what’s inside. Let’s unpack it further: “Drink waters out of thine own cistern…” - This means to spend your time and energy on things that are not good for you, things that are fleeting or unproductive. It's like drinking from a dirty puddle – it won't taste good and will eventually spoil. "...and running waters out of thine own well." - This is the key part! "Well" represents your true self, your character, your values, your thoughts, or even your goals. If you’re pouring water into a well that’s already full of dirty water, the running water will just spill back out. Your true self – your goodness, your strength – is meant to be used for something worthwhile. What does this mean practically? It's about: Self-Control: It encourages us to practice discipline and control over our desires and impulses. Prioritization: It means focusing on what truly matters to you and dedicating your time and energy to those things. True Fulfillment: It suggests that true happiness and satisfaction come from cultivating your own character, rather than chasing after superficial or fleeting pleasures. In short, the verse is a warning against wasting our potential on things that don’t nourish us – and urging us to focus on what truly matters to us . --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss how this principle applies to a specific situation (like temptation or addiction)?

Definition: Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and slightly poetic verse from Proverbs 5:16. It’s a really insightful message about how we should use our time and resources – especially those that can be used for good – wisely. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “Don’t hoard your things! Let them spread out and grow, just like rivers do.” Let’s unpack the parts a little more: “Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad…” – This is a metaphorical way of saying "let your gifts, opportunities, or resources flow out." "Fountains" are overflowing with water, so this suggests a generous and abundant flow. “[and] rivers of waters in the streets.” – This is the key part! “Rivers” represent things that are beneficial and growing into something larger. "In the streets" means they’re spreading out and becoming visible to everyone. So, what does it all mean? It's telling us to: Don't be selfish with your gifts. We shouldn’t keep everything for ourselves. Share your blessings. Letting your resources (time, money, talents, etc.) flow out into the world is a good thing. Let them grow and flourish. It encourages us to invest in our lives and relationships in ways that benefit others and create something positive. Overall message: Proverbs 5:16 is about abundance – not just having things, but having them spread out and contribute positively to the world around you. It’s a call to generosity and thoughtfulness with our time and resources. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in Proverbs? Explore how it relates to other biblical teachings about relationships or wealth?

Definition: Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Proverbs 5:17 – “Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.” It’s a really important message about relationships and how we treat others. Here's the breakdown in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is telling us to keep our friendships and connections really close to ourselves. Don't let people from outside your life become part of your life too much. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Let them be only thine own..." – This means focus on the people you already know, the ones who are comfortable and familiar with you. Don’t waste your time or energy trying to please or impress people who aren't truly good for you. "...and not strangers’ with thee." – “Strangers” here refers to people outside of your immediate circle – those you don’t know well, those you haven’t really connected with, and those who might be causing problems or negativity in your life. It’s about limiting contact with people who aren't supportive and healthy for you. What does this mean practically? Protect Your Heart: It’s about guarding your emotional well-being. Allowing too many people to influence us can make us vulnerable to negativity, jealousy, or unhealthy attachments. Prioritize Quality Relationships: Focus your energy on nurturing the relationships that are supportive, kind, and beneficial for you. Set Boundaries: This verse encourages setting boundaries – saying “no” when you need to protect your time and energy. In essence, it’s a call to be mindful of who we surround ourselves with and to keep our focus on those who bring us joy, peace, and good things. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail or perhaps explore its relevance to your own life? For example, are you struggling with a particular relationship dynamic?

Definition: Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 5:18. It's a bit poetic, but it really speaks to a very important idea about relationships – respecting and cherishing your spouse. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse encourages you to treat your partner with kindness, affection, and joy. It suggests that when you nurture your relationship with someone you've been with for a long time (your "youth"), it will bring you happiness and fulfillment. Let’s unpack it further: “Let thy fountain be blessed” : This is metaphorical. “Fountain” represents a loving, healthy relationship – a source of joy and positive energy. “Blessed” means to be filled with goodness and harmony. “And rejoice with the wife of thy youth” : This part is key. "Youth" refers to the early years of a marriage. “Joyfully” means to feel happiness and contentment in that relationship. It's about celebrating your partner’s good qualities, their presence in your life, and the positive aspects of your shared history. So, what does it mean practically? It means: Be kind: Treat your spouse with respect and consideration. Show affection: Express love and appreciation for them. Nurture the relationship: Invest time and effort into strengthening your bond. Celebrate their good qualities: Focus on what makes them special and happy. In essence, the verse is a gentle reminder to prioritize healthy and joyful relationships – especially those that have been with you for a long time. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like to know: Why it’s considered a wise advice? How it relates to forgiveness or reconciliation? What the verse might mean in a specific context (like when dealing with conflict)?