Proverbs 28:7
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
Original Language Analysis
נוֹצֵ֣ר
Whoso keepeth
H5341
נוֹצֵ֣ר
Whoso keepeth
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
1 of 8
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
תּ֭וֹרָה
the law
H8451
תּ֭וֹרָה
the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
2 of 8
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
בֵּ֣ן
son
H1121
בֵּ֣ן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 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
מֵבִ֑ין
is a wise
H995
מֵבִ֑ין
is a wise
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וְרֹעֶה
but he that is a companion
H7462
וְרֹעֶה
but he that is a companion
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
5 of 8
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
זֽ֝וֹלְלִ֗ים
of riotous
H2151
זֽ֝וֹלְלִ֗ים
of riotous
Strong's:
H2151
Word #:
6 of 8
figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, family honor was paramount. A son's behavior reflected on the entire household's reputation. The 'riotous men' (gluttonous revelers) represented those who rejected wisdom's discipline for sensual indulgence. Torah-keeping marked covenant identity and faithfulness to Yahweh.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your lifestyle honor or shame the spiritual heritage you've received?
- What 'riotous' influences or relationships might be compromising your wisdom and testimony?
- In what ways does Christ-like obedience demonstrate true wisdom to a watching world?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son—The verb natsar (to keep, guard, preserve) suggests active protection of torah (instruction, law). A wise son (ben mevin, understanding son) brings honor to his family through covenant obedience.
The contrast is stark: he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. The Hebrew zolel (riotous, glutton) appears in Deuteronomy 21:20 describing a rebellious son worthy of capital punishment. Such associations corrupt character (1 Corinthians 15:33: 'Evil communications corrupt good manners'). The shame (yaklim) brought upon the father reflects dishonor to the family name and covenant heritage.