¶ A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
A wise {H2450} son {H1121} maketh a glad {H8055} father {H1}: but a foolish {H3684} man {H120} despiseth {H959} his mother {H517}.
A wise son is a joy to his father, and only a fool despises his mother.
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
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Proverbs 29:3
¶ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance. -
Proverbs 10:1
¶ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother. -
1 Kings 1:48
And also thus said the king, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which hath given [one] to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing [it]. -
Proverbs 23:22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. -
1 Kings 5:7
And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed [be] the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people. -
Leviticus 19:3
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God. -
Proverbs 23:15
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
Proverbs 15:20 offers a succinct yet profound contrast between the character and conduct of a wise individual and a foolish one, highlighting their respective impacts on family, particularly parents. This verse underscores the deep connection between one's choices and the emotional well-being of their parents.
Context
The Book of Proverbs is part of the Old Testament's wisdom literature, a collection of divinely inspired sayings designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living. Throughout Proverbs, a central theme is the stark dichotomy between wisdom and folly, often personified by the "wise man" and the "fool." Family relationships, especially between parents and children, are foundational to this wisdom, as the home is seen as the primary place where wisdom is taught and demonstrated. This verse reflects the societal value placed on filial respect and the understanding that a child's behavior directly reflects on and affects their parents.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Proverbs 15:20 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound impact our character and choices have on those closest to us, especially our parents. For individuals, it's an encouragement to pursue wisdom, understanding that living righteously brings joy and honor not only to oneself but also to one's family. Conversely, it's a warning against foolishness, which leads to disrespect and sorrow for those who care most deeply.
This verse challenges us to consider:
Ultimately, a wise life brings blessing and delight, while a foolish one brings pain and contempt, with the immediate impact often felt most acutely within the family unit.