Proverbs 5

Living with Purpose in a World of Distraction

Whose Voice Has Our Ear?

As we open Proverbs 5 together today, we're immediately greeted with flashing lights—God’s way of saying, “Slow down, listen up, this matters.” Verse 1 speaks directly to us:

“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight.”

In our fast-paced world, we’re constantly being shaped by what (or who) we listen to. That’s why the question hits so hard: Who has our ear? Is it God’s wisdom, or the endless voices of culture, news, podcasts, influencers, and opinion-makers?

Proverbs is warning us here—what we take in determines how we live. If we want lives marked by purpose and integrity, we have to start with attentiveness. Who forms our thoughts? What fills our hearts? The wisdom of God leads to life. The alternatives, as we’ll see, don’t.

When the World Looks Sweet

In verses 3–6, we’re introduced to the image of the adulterous woman—a picture of seduction, of temptation, and of the easy way out.

“Her lips drip honey… her speech is smoother than oil…”

It’s attractive. It’s compelling. It looks like freedom, but it leads to death.

“But in the end she is bitter as gall… her feet go down to death.”

This isn’t just about adultery—it’s about any seductive path the world offers us that seems easier, quicker, more fun. The grass-is-greener mindset. The “do what feels good now” way of thinking. The truth is, those choices come at a cost. They leave us wandering, without direction, and often full of regret.

We’re reminded here of the importance of thinking beyond the moment. God calls us to live not just for now—but with eternity in mind.

Living with Intention, Not Regret

One of the most sobering parts of this chapter comes in verses 11–13:

“At the end of your life you will groan… you will say, ‘How I hated discipline!’”

We don’t want to look back and see wasted time, unwise choices, or a life ruled by impulse. We want to look back and celebrate what God has done through a life lived with discipline and purpose.

That’s why verse 1 keeps coming back to us: Pay attention. The decisions we make today shape the story we tell tomorrow. God is calling us not to survive life, but to live it to the full—through wisdom, intention, and trust in Him.

Training for a Life that Lasts

At the end of Proverbs 5, we’re reminded that our lives are not lived in secret:

“For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.” (v.21)

That’s not a threat—it’s a comfort. God sees. He knows. He’s invested in our lives like a good parent who disciplines not out of anger, but out of deep, committed love. He wants us to thrive—not just for today, but for eternity.

One practical way we train for this kind of life is through spiritual disciplines—like fasting. Fasting helps us build self-control and resist the impulsive, seductive voice of the world. When we train our bodies and hearts to say no to something good (like food), we learn to say no to things that might look good but actually lead to harm.

Fasting isn’t about earning anything—it’s about forming something. It’s how we prepare our hearts to say yes to God's better way.

As we continue walking through the Proverbs together, may we be a people who listen well, who live with purpose, and who set our hearts on wisdom. Let’s keep encouraging one another—around the table, online, in our small groups—to stay attentive.

God’s wisdom is better. His way is fuller. And it leads to life.