Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
Original Language Analysis
בֵּ֣ן
son
H1121
בֵּ֣ן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מ֣וּסַר
instruction
H4148
מ֣וּסַר
instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
אָ֑ב
heareth his father's
H1
אָ֑ב
heareth his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְ֝לֵ֗ץ
but a scorner
H3887
וְ֝לֵ֗ץ
but a scorner
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Proverbs 15:5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.Proverbs 15:20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.Proverbs 10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.1 Samuel 2:25If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.Proverbs 14:6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite society structured around patriarchal family units where fathers bore primary responsibility for teaching sons. Honoring parents and receiving their instruction was foundational to covenant faithfulness. Post-exilic Jewish tradition developed elaborate systems of rabbinic teaching building on this father-son pedagogical model. New Testament Christianity maintained this emphasis on honoring parents and receiving godly instruction.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you actively listen to godly counsel from parents, spiritual mentors, or church leaders, or do you resist instruction you find uncomfortable?
- In what ways might you be acting like a 'scorner' who refuses rebuke rather than a wise son who heeds instruction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb addresses responsiveness to parental instruction: 'A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.' The wise son actively listens (shama—hears with intent to obey) to fatherly instruction (musar). This reflects the fifth commandment to honor parents (Exodus 20:12) and the wisdom tradition's emphasis on parental teaching (Proverbs 1:8, 6:20). The 'scorner' (lets—mocker, scoffer) represents one who treats wisdom with contempt. The statement 'heareth not rebuke' doesn't mean physical inability to hear but willful refusal to listen. Scorners actively resist correction, mocking those who offer it. This creates two trajectories: wise sons grow in wisdom through receptivity; scorners decline into folly through resistance.