Proverbs 15:20
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
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
יְשַׂמַּח
maketh a glad
H8055
יְשַׂמַּח
maketh a glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
3 of 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
אָ֑ב
father
H1
אָ֑ב
father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וּכְסִ֥יל
but a foolish
H3684
וּכְסִ֥יל
but a foolish
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
Cross References
Proverbs 29:3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.Proverbs 10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.Proverbs 23:22Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.1 Kings 1:48And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.1 Kings 5:7And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.Leviticus 19:3Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures emphasized filial piety. Children who honored parents brought family honor; those who despised parents brought shame. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 prescribed death for persistently rebellious sons. Proverbs frequently addresses parent-child relationships, urging children toward wisdom that honors parents and glorifies God. Paul commands children to obey and honor parents (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does your life bring joy or grief to your parents (or parental figures)?
- In what ways might you be despising rather than honoring those God has placed in authority over you?
- How does wisdom in all areas of life constitute honoring parents by validating their instruction?
Analysis & Commentary
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. This proverb echoes 10:1, emphasizing parental heartbreak or joy through children's character. Ben chakham yesammach-av (בֵּן חָכָם יְשַׂמַּח־אָב, a wise son gladdens father). Wisdom brings parental joy. Ukhesil adam bozeh immo (וּכְסִיל אָדָם בּוֹזֶה אִמּוֹ, but a foolish man despises his mother). Bazah (בָּזָה, despise, hold in contempt) shows active disrespect. Foolish children bring grief through scorning those who gave them life. The fifth commandment requires honoring parents (Exodus 20:12). Christ modeled this even from the cross (John 19:26-27).