Proverbs 6:20

KJV

¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

KJV (with Strong's)

My son {H1121}, keep {H5341} thy father's {H1} commandment {H4687}, and forsake {H5203} not the law {H8451} of thy mother {H517}:

Complete Jewish Bible

My son, obey your father's command, and don't abandon your mother's teaching.

Berean Standard Bible

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

American Standard Version

My son, keep the commandment of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:20 serves as a foundational and urgent paternal exhortation, urging a "son" to diligently uphold the authoritative instruction received from both his father and mother. This verse underscores the profound significance of intergenerational wisdom, portraying parental guidance not as an onerous burden but as an indispensable, protective framework. It is essential for shaping character, cultivating discernment, and navigating life's intricate moral landscape with integrity and prudence, highlighting the complementary yet equally vital contributions of both parents in a child's holistic formation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:20 functions as a pivotal point within a broader section of paternal instruction (Proverbs 6:20-35) that issues a stark warning against the insidious dangers of adultery and sexual immorality. The immediate juxtaposition of this verse with the subsequent warnings highlights the protective efficacy of parental "commandment" and "law," presenting them as vital safeguards against the destructive paths of folly and sin. More expansively, this verse is deeply embedded within the "father's instruction" speeches found in [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1-9 - The Call to Wisdom"), which consistently emphasize the imperative of heeding wisdom's call, personified as a benevolent guide, and resolutely rejecting the enticements of folly. It echoes the foundational summons to wisdom articulated in [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Hear Parental Instruction"), thereby establishing the ethical and spiritual groundwork upon which the practical applications of wisdom throughout the entire book of Proverbs are built.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was not merely a social construct but the foundational institution for education, moral development, and the sacred transmission of covenantal truth. Wisdom, in this context, transcended mere intellectual knowledge; it was practical insight for cultivating a righteous and flourishing life within the community and in the sight of God. Parents, particularly the father as the patriarchal head and the mother as the primary nurturer and manager of the household, were the principal custodians of this vital wisdom. Their instruction was revered as a sacred inheritance, indispensable for navigating life's myriad challenges and avoiding its perilous pitfalls. This verse profoundly reflects the high regard for parental authority and the crucial intergenerational transmission of core values and divine principles, mirroring the broader biblical mandate to diligently teach God's statutes to one's children, as powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligently Teach Your Children").
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 6:20 encapsulates several profound themes that resonate throughout the book. Firstly, **Obedience to Parental Wisdom** is presented as paramount, not as an act of blind submission, but as the divinely ordained pathway to wisdom, protection, and a life of flourishing. Secondly, it powerfully highlights **The Dual Role of Parents**, explicitly acknowledging both the "father's commandment" and the "mother's law," thereby underscoring that both parents contribute significantly and uniquely to a child's upbringing and moral education. The father typically provided authoritative, often public, instruction, while the mother imparted practical life skills, character formation, and spiritual truths within the intimate sphere of the home. Their combined wisdom forms a comprehensive and balanced system of guidance. Thirdly, this adherence to parental instruction forms a **Foundation for a Righteous Life**, laying a robust moral and ethical groundwork that enables discernment and wise choices, thereby protecting the individual from the temptations and destructive paths warned against in the subsequent verses of [Proverbs 6](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Immorality and Idleness"). This principle resonates deeply with the broader biblical imperative for children to obey their parents in the Lord, as enjoined in [Ephesians 6:1](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1 - Children, Obey Your Parents").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this term denotes a male offspring, but in the context of Proverbs, it extends beyond mere biological relationship to signify a disciple or student. The address "My son" establishes an intimate, pedagogical relationship, underscoring the personal investment and loving authority of the teacher (often the father) in the moral and spiritual formation of the recipient. It implies a relationship of trust and a desire for the "son's" well-being and flourishing.
* **keep (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_):** From H5341, this verb means to guard, protect, maintain, or obey. In the context of a commandment, it implies active, diligent observance and watchful adherence. It suggests not merely passive reception but an intentional, protective custody of the instruction, safeguarding it in one's heart and life as something exceedingly precious and vital, akin to a sentinel guarding a treasure.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From H8451, this word broadly signifies teaching, instruction, or guidance. While famously referring to the Decalogue or the Pentateuch (God's Law), here, when applied to the mother's teaching, it underscores that her guidance is also foundational, authoritative, and comprehensive. It represents a guiding principle for life that profoundly shapes one's entire being and conduct. Its use alongside "commandment" highlights the complementary yet equally authoritative nature of parental instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My son,"**: This tender yet authoritative opening address immediately establishes the intimate, pedagogical relationship between the speaker (typically the father/teacher) and the young recipient. It is a term of endearment and instruction, signifying a deep personal investment in the well-being, moral development, and future flourishing of the young man. It sets a tone of loving authority and profound personal concern, inviting the son into a posture of receptivity.
* **"keep thy father's commandment,"**: This is a direct, emphatic imperative, urging active and diligent obedience to the authoritative instructions imparted by the father. The "commandment" refers to specific precepts, moral guidelines, and practical wisdom passed down, which are intended to guide the son's choices and actions towards righteousness and away from folly. "Keeping" implies not just hearing or acknowledging, but actively preserving, guarding, and living by these instructions, integrating them into the very fabric of one's daily life.
* **"and forsake not the law of thy mother:"**: This parallel imperative powerfully reinforces the preceding command with a negative prohibition, emphasizing the equal and indispensable importance of the mother's teaching. "Forsake not" implies a strong warning against abandoning, neglecting, or casting off her instruction, which would lead to detrimental consequences. The "law" here refers to her broader teaching, guidance, and principles, often imparted within the intimate sphere of the home, contributing significantly to the child's character, practical skills, and understanding of life's ethical and spiritual dimensions.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:20 masterfully employs **Parallelism**, a quintessential feature of Hebrew poetry. Specifically, it utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and forsake not the law of thy mother") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("keep thy father's commandment") using different but closely related terms. "Keep" is paralleled by "forsake not" (an antonym used negatively to convey the same positive imperative of adherence), and "father's commandment" is paralleled by "law of thy mother." This repetition not only emphasizes the singular, unified nature of parental instruction but also highlights its dual source, underscoring the comprehensive guidance provided by both parents. The pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood** ("keep," "forsake not") conveys the urgency, authority, and non-negotiable nature of the exhortation, presenting the instruction as a direct command rather than a mere suggestion. Furthermore, there is an implied **Metaphor** where parental instruction functions as a protective "law" or "commandment," serving as a guiding force that steers the son away from danger and towards a life of wisdom and flourishing, much like a legal code provides essential boundaries for societal well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The wisdom articulated in Proverbs 6:20 is profoundly rooted in the "fear of the Lord," recognizing that all true wisdom originates from God Himself. Parental instruction, therefore, is not merely human advice but serves as a sacred conduit for divine principles, reflecting God's own benevolent, fatherly heart for His children. The "commandment" and "law" faithfully passed down by parents are ultimately echoes of God's own Torah, guiding His people in righteous living and covenant faithfulness. Obedience to parents is thus presented as an act of profound obedience to God, laying an indispensable foundation for a life lived in accordance with His divine will and promises. This intergenerational transmission of wisdom is crucial for both societal stability and spiritual flourishing, ensuring that foundational truths and ethical principles are preserved, applied, and cherished across successive generations.

* [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Hear the Instruction of Your Father and Mother")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching God's Commands to Your Children")
* [Colossians 3:20](/colossians/3-20 "Colossians 3:20 - Children, Obey Your Parents in Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:20 offers timeless and profoundly relevant wisdom that transcends cultural shifts and historical epochs, urging all generations to recognize the profound and enduring value of intergenerational guidance. In an age that often champions radical individualism and dismisses traditional wisdom as antiquated, this verse calls us back to a posture of humility, receptivity, and honor. It serves as a potent reminder that parents, by virtue of their lived experience, their sacrificial love, and often their own spiritual journey, are uniquely positioned to impart life-giving instruction that shapes character and destiny. For children and young people, it is a clear call to honor and obey, understanding that parental wisdom, when rooted in God's truth, functions as a protective shield and a guiding light through life's moral labyrinths. For parents, it is a profound affirmation of their sacred and weighty duty to diligently impart moral and spiritual truth, recognizing that their "commandment" and "law" are foundational to their children's holistic well-being and future success. This verse encourages a continuous, virtuous cycle of learning, respect, and transmission, fostering strong family bonds and equipping individuals to navigate life's complexities with integrity, discernment, and a deep reverence for God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have your parents' or significant mentors' "commandments" or "laws" profoundly shaped your life for the better, even if you did not fully appreciate them at the time?**
* **How can we, as adults, intentionally and consistently honor and apply the wisdom passed down from previous generations, particularly the spiritual and ethical truths, even if our original parents are no longer with us?**
* **If you are a parent or mentor, how are you diligently and intentionally imparting "commandment" and "law" to those under your care, recognizing the distinct yet complementary roles of both fatherly authority and motherly nurture in holistic formation?**

### FAQ
**What does "father's commandment" and "mother's law" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: While "commandment" (Hebrew, _mitsvâh_) and "law" (Hebrew, _tôwrâh_) can indeed refer to divine statutes, in the immediate context of Proverbs 6:20, they primarily denote the comprehensive body of moral, ethical, and practical instruction passed down by human parents. The "father's commandment" often implies authoritative precepts, direct injunctions, and public teachings, while the "mother's law" signifies her foundational guidance, nurturing wisdom, and the principles she imparts within the intimate sphere of the home. Together, they represent the unified, holistic wisdom imparted by both parents, designed to guide the child towards a righteous and flourishing life. This parental instruction is understood as an extension and application of God's own wisdom, as powerfully illustrated in passages like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"), where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge.

**Is this verse only for biological children, or does it have broader application for all believers?**

Answer: While directly addressed to a "son" (Hebrew, _bên_), a common pedagogical device in the book of Proverbs, the underlying principle of heeding wise counsel has profound and broad application for all individuals, regardless of age or biological relationship. The "father-son" dynamic in Proverbs serves as a universal framework for all who seek wisdom and spiritual maturity. It encourages a lifelong posture of humility, teachability, and receptivity, urging individuals to actively seek and apply wise counsel from those who have gained experience, insight, and spiritual discernment—whether they are biological parents, spiritual mentors, elders in the faith, or wise teachers. The wisdom of God, often transmitted through such human channels, is always relevant and essential for guiding our steps and shaping our character, as exemplified by the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart and Do Not Lean on Your Own Understanding").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:20, with its profound emphasis on diligently keeping parental commandments and never forsaking maternal law, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He stands as the perfect Son who flawlessly kept every "commandment" and "law" of His heavenly Father, living a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to God's divine will, even unto death on a cross (e.g., [John 14:31](/john/14-31 "John 14:31 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father")). Unlike humanity, who consistently fall short and fail to keep God's commands, Jesus perfectly embodied the wisdom, righteousness, and humble obedience that Proverbs so earnestly calls for. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the living "Word" (Logos) through whom all things were created and in whom all truth, knowledge, and understanding reside (e.g., [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Was With God")). He is the ultimate "Law" and "Commandment" from God to humanity, perfectly revealing the Father's character, will, and redemptive plan. Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, He enables us, His redeemed children, to increasingly walk in the wisdom and obedience that Proverbs commends, transforming our hearts to desire and follow the "law" and "commandment" of our heavenly Father as perfectly exemplified by the Son (e.g., [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Thus, the call to obey parental wisdom ultimately points to the greater, salvific call to obey and follow Christ, who is Himself the Wisdom of God, leading us into true life, eternal fellowship, and perfect conformity to the Father's will.

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

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Deuteronomy 27:16

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

Proverbs 7:1

¶ My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

Proverbs 7:4

Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:

Proverbs 23:22

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

Proverbs 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Proverbs 1:9

For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.