Proverbs 30:11

[There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

There is a generation {H1755} that curseth {H7043} their father {H1}, and doth not bless {H1288} their mother {H517}.

There is a type of people who curse their fathers and don't bless their mothers.

There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.

There is a generation that curse their father, And bless not their mother.

Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 30:11 (KJV)

Proverbs 30:11 presents a sharp and sobering observation by Agur, whose words comprise this chapter. He identifies a specific "generation" characterized by profound disrespect for their parents, a stark contrast to the divine command and societal expectation of honor.

Context within Agur's Sayings

This verse is part of a series of "four things" or categories of people and phenomena that Agur, the son of Jakeh, observes. Following a humble acknowledgment of his own limitations and a prayer for truth and provision (Proverbs 30:7-9), he begins to describe various types of individuals. This particular "generation" is the first of four types of morally corrupt individuals he highlights, setting a tone of grave concern over societal decay and the erosion of fundamental relationships.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Disrespect and Rebellion: The core message is the utter contempt shown by this generation towards their primary authorities โ€“ their father and mother. This is not mere disobedience but an active act of reviling and a deliberate withholding of blessing.
  • Violation of Divine Law: This behavior directly contravenes the fundamental command to honor one's father and mother, which is a cornerstone of both the Mosaic Law and broader biblical ethics. It signifies a deep spiritual and moral failing.
  • Absence of Blessing: The phrase "doth not bless their mother" is as significant as "curseth their father." It implies a deliberate refusal to acknowledge, affirm, or wish well upon their parents, highlighting a complete lack of filial piety and gratitude.
  • Societal Decay: Such blatant disregard for parental authority often signals a broader breakdown of order, respect, and moral values within a society. The health of a community often correlates with the respect given to elders and family structures.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong terms that reflect the original Hebrew:

  • "Curseth" (Hebrew: qalal - ืงึธืœึทืœ): This word means to treat lightly, to despise, to revile, or to pronounce a curse upon. It denotes a severe form of disrespect, wishing ill upon someone rather than merely speaking ill of them. It is an act of contempt that goes beyond simple verbal abuse.
  • "Doth not bless" (Hebrew: barak - ื‘ึธึผืจึทืšึฐ): To bless means to praise, to invoke divine favor upon, or to show honor. The negation here ("doth not bless") emphasizes the deliberate withholding of honor, affirmation, and positive regard. It's an active refusal to acknowledge the parents' rightful place or contribution.
  • "Generation" (Hebrew: dor - ื“ึผื•ึนืจ): While it can mean a period of time, here it refers to a specific type or class of people, characterized by the traits described. Agur identifies a particular moral character that defines this group.

Practical Application and Reflection

Proverbs 30:11 serves as a timeless warning against the erosion of fundamental family values and respect for authority. For contemporary readers, it underscores several vital points:

  • The Enduring Importance of Filial Piety: The command to honor parents is not culturally bound but a universal principle for a healthy society and individual well-being. It is reaffirmed in the New Testament, as seen in Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6:2-3.
  • Consequences of Disrespect: The Bible consistently warns of severe consequences for those who dishonor their parents, including a shortened life or an unblessed existence (Proverbs 20:20).
  • Self-Examination: This verse calls for introspection. Do we, or those we influence, exhibit attitudes of contempt or neglect towards our parents or elders? Are we quick to bless and honor, or to curse and disregard?
  • Cultivating Respect: It encourages the cultivation of a culture of honor within families and communities, recognizing that respect for parents is foundational to all other forms of respect and order.

Ultimately, Proverbs 30:11 highlights a moral decay that is both ancient and perpetually relevant, urging believers to uphold the biblical standard of honor and blessing within family relationships.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 20:20

    ยถ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 30:12

    [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.

  • Proverbs 30:14

    [There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.

  • Exodus 21:17

    And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

  • Deuteronomy 27:16

    Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

  • Leviticus 20:9

    For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him.
โ† Back