Proverbs 19:26

KJV

¶ He that wasteth [his] father, [and] chaseth away [his] mother, [is] a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that wasteth {H7703} his father {H1}, and chaseth away {H1272} his mother {H517}, is a son {H1121} that causeth shame {H954}, and bringeth reproach {H2659}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One who mistreats his father and evicts his mother is a son who brings them shame and disgrace.

Berean Standard Bible

He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

American Standard Version

He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:26 issues a severe condemnation against a child who abuses and exploits their parents, depicting such behavior as a profound violation of filial duty and societal order. The verse portrays a son who not only squanders his father's resources but also cruelly abandons his mother, resulting in deep personal and communal disgrace. This proverb underscores the foundational importance of honoring parents within ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, highlighting the dire consequences of filial impiety.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs, particularly within the "Sayings of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16). This chapter, like many in Proverbs, contrasts wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and diligence with laziness. Proverbs 19:26 specifically addresses the theme of family relationships, a recurring motif in the book, often juxtaposing the wise son who brings joy to his parents (e.g., [Proverbs 10:1](/proverbs/10-1 "Proverbs 10:1 - A Wise Son Makes a Glad Father")) with the foolish or wicked son who brings shame. Immediately preceding this verse, Proverbs 19:25 speaks of striking a scoffer to make the simple prudent, and reproving an understanding person to gain knowledge, setting a tone of discipline and the consequences of actions. Following it, Proverbs 19:27 warns against ceasing to hear instruction, further emphasizing the theme of wisdom's pursuit and the avoidance of destructive paths.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family (Hebrew: _bet 'av_, "father's house") was the fundamental unit of society, serving as the primary source of identity, security, and economic well-being. Honor for parents was not merely a social custom but a divine command, foundational to the covenant relationship (e.g., [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")). The father was typically the patriarch, responsible for the family's inheritance and protection, while the mother held a revered position within the household, often managing its affairs and nurturing the children. To "waste" a father's resources implied squandering the family's patrimony, jeopardizing its future, and potentially leaving the parents destitute. To "chase away" a mother was an act of extreme cruelty, abandoning her to vulnerability and disgrace. Such actions were considered an affront to both human and divine order, bringing public shame upon the entire lineage and undermining the very fabric of communal life, where social standing was heavily tied to family reputation.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 19:26 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **importance of filial piety and respect for elders**, a cornerstone of Israelite ethics and a direct reflection of God's command. Secondly, it highlights the **consequences of unrighteous behavior**, demonstrating that actions of extreme disrespect and abuse towards one's parents inevitably lead to personal and familial disgrace. The "shame" and "reproach" mentioned are not just internal feelings but public declarations of dishonor. This theme is echoed throughout Proverbs, where the wise are blessed and the foolish face ruin (e.g., [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard")). Thirdly, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **stewardship of family resources and legacy**, as "wasting" a father's inheritance is a grave offense against the continuity and prosperity of the household. Finally, it reinforces the **social dimension of sin**, showing how individual actions can bring collective shame upon the family and community, contrasting with the joy a wise child brings (e.g., [Proverbs 23:24-25](/proverbs/23-24 "Proverbs 23:24-25 - Joy in a Wise Son")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wasteth (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** From H7703, meaning "to be burly, i.e. (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage." This word suggests more than mere squandering; it implies a violent, destructive act, akin to pillaging or devastating. The son is not just negligent but actively and powerfully ruining his father's resources or even his very being.
* **chaseth away (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** From H1272, meaning "to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly; chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away)." This verb indicates an aggressive act of expulsion, forcing the mother to leave or flee. It speaks to an utter lack of care, protection, and respect, actively removing her from her rightful place of security and honor within the home.
* **causeth shame (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** From H954, meaning "to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed." This term describes the profound humiliation and disgrace that results from the son's actions. It signifies not just personal embarrassment but a public loss of honor and respect, affecting the entire family's reputation within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that wasteth his father":** This clause describes a son who actively and violently destroys or squanders his father's resources, inheritance, or even his very well-being. The Hebrew term implies a forceful, devastating action, suggesting a complete disregard for the patriarch's authority, provision, and legacy. This could manifest as financial ruin, physical abuse, or emotional devastation, all of which dismantle the father's position and the family's stability.
* **"and chaseth away his mother":** This parallel clause depicts an equally heinous act of cruelty towards the mother. To "chase away" implies forcing her out of the home, abandoning her, or denying her the security and honor due to her. This action leaves the mother vulnerable, without protection or provision, and represents a complete rejection of filial duty and natural affection. It is an act of profound disrespect and abandonment.
* **"is a son that causeth shame":** The consequence of such actions is that the son becomes a source of deep shame. This shame is not merely personal guilt but a public disgrace that attaches to the son and, by extension, to the entire family. His actions are so egregious that they bring dishonor and humiliation upon his lineage, tarnishing their reputation within the community.
* **"and bringeth reproach":** This final clause reinforces the outcome, indicating that the son's behavior results in public censure and condemnation. "Reproach" signifies public blame, disgrace, or an accusation that damages one's reputation. The son's actions are so offensive that they invite widespread disapproval and scorn, marking him and his family with a lasting stigma.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of the initial clauses: "He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother." This creates a sense of symmetry, emphasizing the dual nature of the son's offense against both parents. The actions described are vivid and evoke strong imagery: "wasteth" (suggesting destruction or ruin) and "chaseth away" (implying forceful expulsion), which serve as **metaphors** for extreme disrespect and abandonment, going beyond mere neglect. The verse also utilizes **cause and effect** by directly linking the son's deplorable actions to their inevitable consequences: "is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach." This clear connection underscores the moral order of the universe, where wicked deeds lead to dishonor. Finally, the use of strong, emotionally charged words like "wasteth," "chaseth away," "shame," and "reproach" contributes to the verse's **emphatic tone**, leaving no doubt about the severity of the condemned behavior and its devastating impact on family and community honor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 19:26 stands as a stark reminder of the profound importance of filial piety within the biblical worldview, reflecting a core tenet of God's covenant with Israel. The command to "Honor your father and your mother" ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")) is not merely a suggestion but a foundational principle, promising longevity and blessing. This proverb illustrates the inverse: the consequences of violating this command are severe, leading to shame and reproach, not only for the individual but for the entire family unit. It underscores the theological truth that disrespect for parents is a disruption of the divinely ordained social order and a rejection of the wisdom that leads to a flourishing life. The actions described—wasting resources and abandoning a parent—are not just social offenses but moral transgressions against the very fabric of God's intended design for family and community.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 27:16](/deuteronomy/27-16 "Deuteronomy 27:16 - Curse for Dishonoring Parents")
* [Proverbs 28:24](/proverbs/28-24 "Proverbs 28:24 - Robbing Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:26 serves as a powerful and enduring call to examine our attitudes and actions towards our parents and elders. While the specific acts of "wasting" and "chasing away" describe extreme forms of abuse and neglect, the underlying principle of honor and care remains universally applicable. In a world that often prioritizes individual autonomy over familial duty, this proverb challenges us to re-evaluate our commitment to those who raised us. It compels us to consider how we steward not only financial resources but also the emotional and spiritual well-being of our parents. Do we offer them respect, support, and protection in their vulnerability? Or do our actions, even subtly, contribute to their burden or diminish their dignity? True wisdom, as taught in Proverbs, extends to the most intimate relationships, recognizing that the health of the family unit is foundational to the health of society and a reflection of our obedience to God's commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively honor my parents, even if they are no longer living or if our relationship is complex?**
* **Are there subtle ways I might be "wasting" my parents' legacy or "chasing away" their wisdom or presence in my life?**
* **How does my treatment of my parents reflect on my character and my faith to the wider community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my parents (or elderly family members) feel valued, secure, and respected?**

### FAQ
**What does "wasteth his father" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Wasteth his father" (Hebrew: _shâdad_) goes beyond mere financial squandering. It implies a violent, destructive act against the father or his resources. This could include actively ruining his property, depleting his inheritance through reckless living, or even causing him physical or emotional devastation. It signifies a profound act of disrespect and an attack on the father's authority, provision, and very being, leaving him vulnerable and perhaps destitute.

**Why is "chasing away his mother" considered such a severe offense?**

Answer: "Chasing away his mother" (Hebrew: _bârach_) is a grave offense because it represents an act of abandonment and cruelty. In ancient Israelite society, mothers, especially widows or the elderly, were highly dependent on their children for protection, provision, and honor. For a son to force his mother out of the home or to neglect her to the point where she feels compelled to leave, was to deny her basic security and dignity. It was a complete rejection of filial duty and a deeply shameful act that left her vulnerable and without support, bringing immense disgrace upon the family. This action directly violated the societal and divine expectation of caring for one's parents, particularly the vulnerable mother, as seen in passages like [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Family").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:26, with its condemnation of a son who brings shame and reproach upon his parents, finds its ultimate and glorious contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike the son described in this proverb, Jesus is the perfectly obedient Son who brought infinite glory, not shame, to His heavenly Father and earthly parents. His entire life was characterized by perfect submission and honor, from His childhood obedience to Mary and Joseph ([Luke 2:51](/luke/2-51 "Luke 2:51 - Jesus' Obedience to His Parents")) to His ultimate submission to the Father's will in Gethsemane and on the cross ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). He never "wasted" His Father's resources but perfectly stewarded His divine mission, bringing about the Father's eternal plan of salvation. Furthermore, even in His agony on the cross, Jesus demonstrated profound care for His mother, entrusting her to John's care ([John 19:26-27](/john/19-26 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Cares for His Mother")). Jesus is the Son who perfectly fulfilled the Fifth Commandment, not only in His human life but also in His divine nature, always glorifying the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ became the means by which humanity, once sons of shame and reproach due to sin, can be adopted into God's family, becoming children who bring honor and glory to their heavenly Father through Him ([Ephesians 1:5-6](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5-6 - Adoption as Sons through Jesus Christ")). He is the Son who never causes shame but always brings glory and honor to the Father, and through Him, we are invited into that same relationship of honor and love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 17:2

¶ A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

Proverbs 10:5

¶ He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame.

Proverbs 23:22

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:25

Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Proverbs 28:24

¶ Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer.

Luke 15:30

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

Proverbs 30:17

The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.