Proverbs 28:7

KJV

¶ Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso keepeth {H5341} the law {H8451} is a wise {H995} son {H1121}: but he that is a companion {H7462} of riotous {H2151} men shameth {H3637} his father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A wise son observes Torah, but a friend of those lacking restraint shames his father.

Berean Standard Bible

A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

American Standard Version

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:7 succinctly contrasts two distinct paths for a son, revealing how adherence to wise instruction cultivates wisdom and honors one's heritage, while association with dissolute individuals inevitably leads to foolish choices and brings disgrace upon the family. This proverb underscores the profound impact of personal choices regarding obedience and companionship on both individual character and familial reputation within the ancient Israelite societal framework.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28:7 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 25-29) often attributed to Solomon, which were compiled by the men of Hezekiah. This section, in particular, focuses on themes of righteousness, justice, integrity in leadership, and the consequences of moral choices. Chapter 28 itself is replete with contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, and the diligent and the lazy. Verse 7 specifically hones in on the son's behavior, building on the broader Proverbs theme of parental instruction and the intergenerational transfer of wisdom or folly. It immediately follows verses that speak of the destructive nature of wicked rulers and the blessing of understanding leaders, subtly shifting the focus to individual responsibility within the family unit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family was the foundational unit of society, and a son's actions directly reflected on his father and the entire household. Family honor (כָּבוֹד, _kavod_) was paramount, and disgrace (בּוּשׁ, _bush_) was deeply felt. The concept of "law" (תּוֹרָה, _torah_) extended beyond mere legal codes to encompass divine instruction, parental teaching, and the accumulated wisdom of the community. Education primarily occurred within the home, with fathers and mothers imparting moral and spiritual guidance. Associations were highly significant; one's companions were seen as shaping character and destiny, making the choice of friends a critical moral decision. The "riotous men" (זֹלְלִים, _zolelim_) likely refers to those who squandered their inheritance or lived dissolute lives, often associated with gluttony and drunkenness, behaviors that were culturally frowned upon and led to financial ruin and social shame.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **importance of wisdom and instruction**, portraying obedience to "the law" as the path to true wisdom, a recurring motif seen in passages like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 4:1-9](/proverbs/4 "Proverbs 4 - Parental Instruction and the Path of Wisdom"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **perilous influence of bad company**, a warning echoed frequently, such as in [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - The Influence of Companions") which states, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Thirdly, the proverb underscores the profound **intergenerational impact of personal choices**, demonstrating how a son's conduct directly impacts his father's honor or shame, a concept deeply rooted in the communal and familial structure of Israelite society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keepeth (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_):** This primitive root signifies to guard, protect, maintain, or obey. In a good sense, it implies diligent observance and preservation. When applied to "the law," it denotes not just passive knowledge but active adherence, safeguarding its principles, and living by its precepts. It suggests a conscious and disciplined commitment to the instruction received.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From the root _yârâh_ (to throw, cast, direct), _Torah_ refers to instruction, teaching, or divine guidance. While it can specifically refer to the Pentateuch or the Decalogue, in Proverbs, it often has a broader sense, encompassing the wise counsel of parents, the moral teachings of the sages, and God's revealed will for righteous living. It is the guiding principle for a well-ordered life.
* **Riotous (Hebrew, _zâlal'_):** This primitive root means to shake (as in the wind), to quake, and figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless, or prodigal. It describes individuals characterized by excessive indulgence, gluttony, wasteful living, and generally dissolute behavior. It paints a picture of someone lacking self-control and moral discipline, squandering resources and reputation.
* **Shameth (Hebrew, _kâlam'_):** A primitive root meaning to wound, but only figuratively, to taunt or insult. It denotes being (or making someone) ashamed, blushing, being confounded, or put to confusion. In this context, the son's actions bring deep disgrace and dishonor upon his father, causing public humiliation and a loss of standing within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son:"** This opening clause presents the positive affirmation. The act of "keeping" (guarding, obeying) "the law" (divine and parental instruction) is directly equated with being a "wise son." This implies that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but practical obedience and moral discernment, leading to a life that reflects sound judgment and integrity. Such a son brings credit and honor to his upbringing and his family.
* **"but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father."** This second clause introduces a stark contrast, highlighting the negative consequences of poor association. A "companion" (one who tends a flock with, associates with) of "riotous men" (those who are wasteful, dissolute, gluttonous) will inevitably adopt their ways and bring "shame" (disgrace, humiliation) upon his father. This emphasizes the powerful influence of peer relationships and the ripple effect of individual choices on the family's reputation and honor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Antithetical Parallelism** is the most prominent, presenting a direct contrast between two opposing types of sons and their respective outcomes. The first half describes the wise, law-keeping son who honors his father, while the second half describes the foolish, riotous-associating son who shames his father. This sharp juxtaposition effectively highlights the consequences of each path. **Metonymy** is also present, where "the law" stands in for the entire body of wise instruction and righteous living, and "riotous men" represents the lifestyle and character associated with moral looseness. The phrase "shameth his father" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the profound impact of a son's actions, implying a deep and painful disgrace that extends beyond the individual to the entire family unit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 28:7 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that wisdom is intrinsically linked to obedience and that character is profoundly shaped by one's associations. The "law" here is not merely a set of external rules but the very embodiment of God's righteous character and His desire for human flourishing. To "keep" it is to align one's life with divine wisdom, resulting in a life of integrity and honor. Conversely, choosing companions who are "riotous" is a rejection of this wisdom, leading to moral decay and bringing disgrace not only upon oneself but also upon those who raised and nurtured them. This highlights the communal aspect of sin and righteousness, where individual choices have far-reaching implications for the family and wider community, reflecting God's design for a society built on covenant faithfulness and moral uprightness.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - The Influence of Companions")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path")
* [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:7 remains strikingly relevant for every generation, offering timeless wisdom on the critical choices that shape our lives and legacies. It compels us to consider the profound influence of our companions, urging us to be intentional and discerning about who we allow into our closest circles. Our associations inevitably rub off on us, shaping our values, habits, and ultimately, our character. A life lived in obedience to God's wisdom, as revealed in His Word and through the guidance of godly mentors, is a path toward genuine flourishing and honor, not just for ourselves but for our families and communities. Conversely, a casual embrace of dissolute company can subtly, yet powerfully, erode our moral compass, leading us down paths of regret and shame. This proverb calls us to cultivate a disciplined life, rooted in divine instruction, and to choose relationships that uplift, challenge, and encourage us toward righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do my current friendships or associations influence my character and choices?**
* **Am I actively "keeping the law" (God's wisdom and instruction) in my daily life, or am I passively allowing external influences to dictate my path?**
* **How might my choices, particularly regarding my companions, be bringing honor or shame to my family or spiritual heritage?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate more godly friendships and distance myself from unhelpful influences?**

### FAQ

**What does "keepeth the law" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Proverbs 28:7, "keepeth the law" (Hebrew: _nâtsar tôwrâh_) refers to actively guarding, preserving, and obeying the divine and parental instruction. It's not just about knowing rules but about living by them. This "law" (Torah) encompasses God's revealed will, the wise teachings passed down through generations, and the moral principles that guide righteous living. A son who "keeps" it demonstrates practical wisdom and moral integrity, bringing honor to his family. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on obedience as a hallmark of wisdom, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Commandments Diligently").

**Who are "riotous men" and why are they so dangerous as companions?**

Answer: "Riotous men" (Hebrew: _zolelim_) describes individuals who are morally loose, wasteful, prodigal, and given to excessive indulgence, often associated with gluttony and drunkenness. They lack self-control and disregard wise counsel, leading to destructive behaviors and squandered lives. They are dangerous as companions because their influence is corrupting. As [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals") warns, "Bad company corrupts good character." Associating with such individuals can subtly lead one to adopt their habits, values, and ultimately, their destructive path, bringing shame and dishonor upon oneself and one's family.

**How does a son's actions "shame his father" in ancient Israelite culture?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, family honor was paramount, and a son's conduct was intrinsically linked to his father's reputation and the family's standing in the community. A son who was wise and obedient brought pride and respect to his father, reflecting well on his upbringing and the family's values. Conversely, a son who was dissolute or associated with "riotous men" and engaged in their shameful ways brought disgrace and public humiliation upon his father. This "shame" (Hebrew: _kâlam_) was a deep wound, impacting the father's social standing, respect, and even his legacy. It underscored the intergenerational impact of personal choices within a highly communal society, as also seen in [Proverbs 17:21](/proverbs/17-21 "Proverbs 17:21 - A Foolish Son Brings Grief").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:7, with its stark contrast between the wise, law-keeping son and the riotous companion, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "wise son" who perfectly "kept the law" not merely as an external code, but as the very expression of His Father's will and character. Unlike any human son, Jesus perfectly embodied obedience, stating, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). His life was a flawless demonstration of wisdom, bringing infinite glory and honor to His heavenly Father, never shame. Furthermore, while the proverb warns against companionship with "riotous men," Jesus, in His divine wisdom, chose to associate with sinners not to be corrupted by them, but to redeem them. He was called a "friend of tax collectors and sinners" ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus, Friend of Sinners")), demonstrating that His holy presence transforms rather than conforms. Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Christ became the means by which we, who were once "riotous" in our sin, can be reconciled to God and become "wise sons" and daughters, adopted into His family and bringing honor to our Heavenly Father through faith in Him ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ")). He is the one who took our shame upon Himself, so that we might receive His righteousness and bring glory to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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

1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

1 Peter 4:4

¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

Proverbs 29:3

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

Proverbs 3:1

¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Proverbs 3:35

The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Luke 15:13

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Proverbs 2:1

¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;