Proverbs 23:24

KJV

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The father {H1} of the righteous {H6662} shall greatly {H1524} rejoice {H1523}: and he that begetteth {H3205} a wise {H2450} child shall have joy {H8055} of him.

Complete Jewish Bible

A righteous person's father will be filled with joy; yes, he whose son is wise will rejoice in him.

Berean Standard Bible

The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.

American Standard Version

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; And he that begetteth a wise child will have joy of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:24 articulates the profound and overflowing joy a parent experiences when their children embrace righteousness and wisdom. This verse underscores that true parental satisfaction is not derived from worldly achievements or material success, but from the cultivation of upright character and discerning choices in their offspring, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:24 is situated within the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17–24:34), a collection of thirty instructional proverbs. This particular verse follows a strong exhortation to prioritize and acquire truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding (as seen in [Proverbs 23:23](/proverbs/23-23 "Proverbs 23:23 - Buy Truth, Wisdom, Instruction, and Understanding")). It functions as a powerful motivation for parents to diligently invest in the moral and spiritual development of their children, presenting the resulting joy as a significant reward. The broader context of Proverbs frequently contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, emphasizing the blessings that accompany a life aligned with divine principles and the pitfalls of neglecting godly instruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was fundamentally patriarchal and family-centric, with a strong emphasis on lineage, legacy, and the intergenerational transmission of values. The home served as the primary educational institution, where fathers (and mothers, though "father" often functions as a synecdoche for both parents in Proverbs) bore the principal responsibility for instructing children in the ways of the Lord. Wisdom (_chokmah_) in this context was not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living well, rooted deeply in the covenant relationship with God. The well-being and moral character of the children were seen as a direct reflection of the parents' diligence and the family's adherence to God's laws, bringing either honor or shame to the household.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **reciprocal nature of parental investment and reward**, emphasizing that the greatest return on a parent's effort is the spiritual flourishing of their children. Secondly, it defines the **nature of true wisdom and righteousness**, portraying them not as abstract concepts but as tangible, life-shaping qualities that bring honor and joy. Wisdom (_chokmah_) in Proverbs is the practical skill of living discerningly and righteously, founded on the [fear of the LORD](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Righteousness (_tsaddiq_) denotes moral uprightness and adherence to God's standards. Thirdly, the verse subtly underscores the theme of **generational blessing and legacy**, suggesting that when children are raised in wisdom and righteousness, they not only glorify God but also bring enduring honor and profound satisfaction to their progenitors, perpetuating a godly heritage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This primitive word denotes a progenitor or male parent, but in a broader sense, it can also refer to a chief or forefather. In the context of Proverbs, "father" often represents the primary figure of authority and instruction within the family, responsible for guiding children in the ways of wisdom and righteousness. The joy described in the verse is deeply personal to this foundational role.
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be just," this term describes one who is morally upright, equitable, and conforms to God's standards of justice and integrity. A "righteous child" is one whose character and conduct align with divine principles, demonstrating integrity and moral excellence in their life.
* **Greatly rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl_ and _gîyl'_):** The KJV's "greatly rejoice" translates a powerful Hebrew construction, _gil yagil_, which employs an infinitive absolute (H1524, _gîyl_, meaning "joy" or "rejoicing") before the verb (H1523, _gîyl_, meaning "to rejoice"). This grammatical structure serves to intensify the verb, signifying an overflowing, profound, and emphatic joy. It conveys a sense of spinning around or leaping for gladness, indicating an intense emotional satisfaction that transcends ordinary happiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice:"** This clause establishes the first condition for profound parental joy: having a child who lives righteously. The emphasis on "greatly rejoice" highlights the intensity and depth of this particular form of happiness, suggesting it is a joy unlike any other, stemming from the moral integrity and upright character of one's offspring.
* **"and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him."** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel to the first, reinforcing the central message. It broadens the scope to include "wisdom" as a co-equal source of parental delight. The term "begetteth" not only refers to physical procreation but also implicitly encompasses the ongoing process of nurturing, instructing, and shaping a child into a wise individual. The "joy" here is a deep satisfaction and contentment derived from seeing one's child apply discerning judgment and practical skill in living.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:24 employs several key literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and reinforces the thought of the first line using different but related terms. "The father of the righteous" parallels "he that begetteth a wise [child]," and "shall greatly rejoice" parallels "shall have joy of him." This repetition serves to emphasize the central truth: both righteousness and wisdom in children are profound sources of parental delight. The Hebrew phrase for "greatly rejoice" (_gil yagil_) utilizes an **Infinitive Absolute** construction, which functions as an intensifier, underscoring the overwhelming and overflowing nature of the joy experienced by the parent. This is not merely happiness, but an exuberant, deep-seated gladness. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synecdoche** where "father" stands for both parents, acknowledging the shared parental investment and the collective joy experienced by both mother and father in their children's godly development.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb speaks to a profound theological truth about the nature of God's heart and His desire for His children. Just as an earthly parent finds immense joy in the righteousness and wisdom of their offspring, so too does our Heavenly Father delight when His spiritual children walk in truth and wisdom. This verse mirrors a divine principle where obedience and adherence to God's ways bring about blessing and joy, not only for the individual but also for those who have invested in their spiritual formation. It highlights the ultimate value of character over worldly success, aligning with God's priorities for humanity.

* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a Child in the Way He Should Go")
* [3 John 1:4](/3_john/1-4 "3 John 1:4 - John's Greatest Joy is His Children Walking in Truth")
* [Psalm 112:1-2](/psalms/112-1 "Psalm 112:1-2 - Blessings on the Righteous and Their Descendants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:24 offers timeless encouragement and profound guidance for all who influence the next generation. For parents, it serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize the spiritual and moral development of their children above all else. In a world that often measures success by material wealth, academic accolades, or social status, this verse redirects our focus to the enduring value of character, integrity, and discerning judgment. Investing time, discipline, and godly example in a child's life, fostering a love for truth and righteousness, yields the most fulfilling and lasting reward—a joy that penetrates the deepest parts of a parent's soul. For children, it illuminates the profound impact their choices have on their parents, encouraging them to pursue wisdom and uprightness not only for their own well-being but also to bring honor and joy to those who raised them. Ultimately, for all believers, this proverb underscores that true fulfillment and lasting happiness are found in living according to God's principles, recognizing that our lives have a ripple effect, bringing blessing and joy to our families and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **As a parent, mentor, or spiritual leader, what is my greatest hope for those I influence? Does it align with the priorities of righteousness and wisdom found in this verse?**
* **How can I actively cultivate wisdom and righteousness in my own life, recognizing that my example is a powerful form of instruction for others?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to prioritize spiritual and moral development over fleeting worldly achievements in my family or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Does "father" in this verse exclude mothers or other caregivers?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word specifically refers to "father" (_ʼâb_), in the wisdom literature of Proverbs, "father" often functions as a synecdoche, representing both parents or even any significant elder or mentor responsible for the upbringing and instruction of a child. The principles of joy in a child's righteousness and wisdom apply equally to mothers, grandparents, teachers, and spiritual mentors who invest in the moral and spiritual development of the next generation. The book of Proverbs frequently mentions the instruction of both father and mother (e.g., [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Hear the Instruction of Your Father and Mother")).

**What is the distinction between "righteous" and "wise" in this context? Are they the same?**

Answer: While closely related and often overlapping in Proverbs, "righteous" (_tsaddîyq_) and "wise" (_châkâm_) carry distinct nuances. "Righteous" primarily refers to moral uprightness, adherence to God's laws, and living justly in accordance with divine standards. It speaks to one's character and ethical conduct. "Wise," on the other hand, refers to practical discernment, skill in living, and the ability to make good, godly choices in various situations. It encompasses intellectual understanding applied to daily life, rooted in the [fear of the LORD](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). A truly wise person will naturally live righteously, and a righteous person will seek wisdom. They are two sides of the same coin of godly living, both bringing profound joy to those who have nurtured them.

**Is this verse a guarantee that if parents raise their children well, they will always turn out righteous and wise?**

Answer: Proverbs often presents general principles and observations about life, rather than absolute guarantees or strict promises. While faithful, godly parenting significantly increases the likelihood of children embracing righteousness and wisdom, human free will and external influences always play a role. This verse highlights the *blessing* and *reward* that typically result from diligent parental investment in character formation. It serves as a powerful motivation and encouragement for parents to remain faithful in their calling, reminding them that the deepest joys come from seeing their children walk in the truth, even if the path is not always linear or without challenges.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly [righteous Son](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous") who always did the will of His Father, and the very embodiment of [divine wisdom](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness"). The Heavenly Father's "great rejoicing" and "joy" in His Son, Jesus, is the supreme example of the delight described in this proverb, as evidenced by declarations like "[This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus at His Baptism")" at His baptism and transfiguration. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are made [righteous in Him](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Made Righteous in Christ") and receive the Spirit of wisdom. The joy of the Heavenly Father over His adopted children who walk in truth and wisdom through faith in Jesus is the ultimate spiritual reality to which this proverb points. Just as the apostle John expressed his greatest joy in hearing that his spiritual children were [walking in truth](/3_john/1-4 "3 John 1:4 - John's Joy in His Children Walking in Truth"), so too does the Father delight in the spiritual growth and obedience of His redeemed family, the Church, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of this parental joy in the divine economy.

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 10:1

¶ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 15:20

¶ A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Proverbs 23:15

My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

Proverbs 23:16

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

Proverbs 29:3

¶ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance.

Philemon 1:20

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

Philemon 1:9

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech [thee], being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.