Proverbs 5:7

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about keeping God’s Word:

Proverbs 5:7 (ESV)

And now, O sons, listen to me,

and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

Solomon opens this chapter with the same instruction that he outlines here for us.    Solomon is very much concerned that his "sons" will take heed to the teachings of the "old man."   There is an old adage that parents get smarter the older children get.   When they are old enough to have their own children a parents instruction "can" sound more relative and true.  That is not always the case but it often is.   Solomon is worried that the "son(s)" will fall away from what he has learned and fall into the trap of the world.   What parent is not afraid of the same thing?   Parents like to think they give great counsel and don't want the child to depart from the "words of my mouth." Not all parents, obviously, have Godly wisdom.   But, Solomon was God's chosen leader for Israel.  God had promised to protect him and bless him.   And, He did.  As a result, Solomon is telling his sons to listen and don't go astray.    We have insight here, as well, as to how God has chosen to correct, warn and prepare children ... through the instructions of their parents.  This is why it is so important that parents know God's Word and teach God's Word.    It is why they should rehearse God's truth before the child, often.   Before we warn our children to know "depart" from our words we need to make sure we have sound, Biblical teaching.   Tell children God's truth and then tell them not to depart from it.  The fact that it came from  your mouth matters not.