Proverbs 29:3
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Original Language Analysis
אִֽישׁ
Whoso
H376
אִֽישׁ
Whoso
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יְשַׂמַּ֣ח
rejoiceth
H8055
יְשַׂמַּ֣ח
rejoiceth
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
4 of 9
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
אָבִ֑יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 9
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְרֹעֶ֥ה
but he that keepeth company
H7462
וְרֹעֶ֥ה
but he that keepeth company
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
6 of 9
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
ז֝וֹנ֗וֹת
with harlots
H2181
ז֝וֹנ֗וֹת
with harlots
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
7 of 9
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
Cross References
Proverbs 27:11My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.Proverbs 10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.Proverbs 15:20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.Luke 15:30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.Proverbs 28:7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.Proverbs 6:26For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.Luke 15:13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.Proverbs 21:17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Historical Context
The prodigal son (Luke 15:13, 30) exemplified this proverb, wasting inheritance on prostitutes before returning repentant. Ancient Near Eastern families understood how a son's choices affected entire household honor and resources.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your life choices bring joy or grief to those who love you?
- How do you see the connection between moral wisdom and practical prosperity?
- What does it mean to love wisdom in a culture that celebrates folly?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He who 'loveth wisdom' rejoices his father, but one who 'keepeth company with harlots' spends his substance. The Hebrew 'ahab chokmah' (loves wisdom) versus 'roah zonot' (companions with prostitutes) presents stark contrast. Wisdom blesses family and preserves resources; folly brings shame and poverty. Reformed theology values wisdom as fearing God and keeping His commands. Sexual immorality particularly wastes resources and destroys character. This verse connects personal moral choices with family impact and economic consequences.