Proverbs 15:20 kjv

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Proverbs 15:20 nkjv

A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 15:20 niv

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 15:20 esv

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 15:20 nlt

Sensible children bring joy to their father;
foolish children despise their mother.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 20 Meaning

Proverbs 15:20 encapsulates a foundational principle of wisdom literature: the character of a child directly impacts the well-being and emotional state of their parents. A son or daughter who embraces wisdom and righteous living brings deep joy and satisfaction to their father and mother. Conversely, a child whose life is characterized by folly, self-will, and disregard for truth will cause profound sorrow and contempt to their parents, particularly manifest as despising or treating their mother with disdain.

Proverbs 15 20 Context

Proverbs 15 falls within a large section of collected wise sayings, often presented as antithetical parallelism, where the wisdom of the righteous is contrasted with the folly of the wicked. This chapter frequently emphasizes the power of words, the character of a person, and the impact of one's actions and attitudes on oneself, others, and God. Verses often come in pairs, juxtaposing good and evil outcomes, prudent and foolish behaviors. Proverbs 15:20 serves as a typical example of this structure, focusing on the fundamental societal unit: the family. In ancient Israel, the family was the primary locus of instruction, values, and identity. Respect for parents was not merely a cultural nicety but a divinely commanded principle central to societal stability and individual blessedness, carrying serious consequences for violation. This verse places parental joy and sorrow at the heart of the outcome of a child's moral character.

Proverbs 15 20 Word analysis

• A wise son (חָכָם בֵּן – chakham ben):

  • Wise (chakham): Beyond mere intellectual cleverness, chakham denotes practical skill, discernment, and often includes moral and spiritual insight rooted in the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7). It implies a life lived in accordance with divine principles.
  • Son (ben): This specific term highlights the familial relationship. It's about a child acting rightly within their role and responsibility to parents.

• brings joy (יְשַׂמַּח – yesammah, from שָׂמַח – samach):

  • Signifies a deep sense of happiness, delight, and peace. This is an active act of causing joy, not passive. It speaks to the emotional reward parents receive from a child's virtuous life.

• to his father (אָב – 'av):

  • The patriarchal head, often associated with providing instruction, discipline, and establishing foundational principles within the family. His joy comes from seeing his instruction bear fruit.

• but a foolish man (כְּסִיל אָדָם – kesil adam):

  • Foolish (kesil): Distinct from simply ignorant, the kesil is someone obstinately unwilling to learn, scornful of instruction, self-confident in their error, and morally dull. This type of folly is a chosen character defect.
  • Man (adam): This general term for "humankind" or "person" is contrasted with "son." While "son" (ben) highlights the specific filial role, adam suggests that such a person, though physically a son, fails so profoundly in their character that they are simply categorized as "a man" defined by their folly, rather than by a filial relationship that implies honor. It marks a broader character deficiency that transcends mere familial title.

• despises (בּוּזֶה – buzeh, from בּוּז – buz):

  • To regard with contempt, scorn, or disdain; to actively belittle or treat with disrespect. This is a strong word, indicating an internal attitude of worthlessness applied to the other, which often manifests in outward behavior. It's a deep affront, not just a casual slight.

• his mother (אֵם – em):

  • The nurturing parent, often the primary source of early instruction, comfort, and deep affection. In wisdom literature, the mother's instruction is often paired with the father's (Prov 1:8; 6:20). Despising one's mother is viewed as a particularly heinous offense, often associated with profound moral decay, given her role in bearing, raising, and providing constant care.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "A wise son brings joy to his father" vs. "but a foolish man despises his mother": This is an exemplary piece of antithetical parallelism common in Proverbs. It clearly contrasts two opposing types of character and their corresponding impacts.
  • Character and Outcome: The verse establishes a direct causal link: good character (wisdom) leads to good outcome (parental joy), and bad character (folly) leads to bad outcome (parental scorn/despair).
  • Son vs. Man; Father vs. Mother: The switch in specific parent mentioned ("father" in the first clause, "mother" in the second) underscores that filial duty and parental impact extend to both parents equally. The distinction between ben (son) and adam (man) for the foolish one could imply that folly causes one to lose the proper honor and standing of being a dutiful son, reducing them to merely "a human" marked by their destructive choices, or perhaps highlighting that the folly is not merely a youth's immaturity but a fundamental aspect of their adult character. Despising the mother is often considered an even more profound act of dishonor due to the unique role of a mother's nurture and constant care.

Proverbs 15 20 Bonus section

The seemingly subtle shift from "son" (ben) to "man" (adam) for the foolish one holds significant meaning. "Son" defines a relationship (child of parents), carrying expectations of respect and honor. By using adam (a generic human being) for the foolish, the verse subtly suggests that the fool, by despising instruction and parental honor, forfeits or abandons the proper filial relationship, effectively diminishing themselves from "a dutiful son" to simply "a person" defined by their flawed character, distinct from the blessings associated with a familial bond rooted in wisdom.

Furthermore, while both parents are to be honored (as the command "honor your father and mother" implies), the specific mention of despising the mother is profoundly poignant. In ancient Near Eastern societies, and throughout the biblical narrative, the mother often represented the intimate, nurturing, and consistently available presence. To actively scorn her demonstrates a particularly severe moral depravity and a complete disregard for the deep, sacrificial love she typically embodies. This specific emphasis underlines the depths to which folly can lead one – to reject even the most primal and tender forms of familial care. The proverb thus not only states a moral principle but also describes a deep spiritual pathology inherent in folly.

Proverbs 15 20 Commentary

Proverbs 15:20 powerfully articulates that wisdom is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a way of life that finds its most immediate and impactful expression within the family. A child’s wise living – characterized by diligence, discernment, obedience, and moral integrity – cultivates an environment of peace and delight for their father. This joy springs from seeing their efforts in raising and instructing their child come to fruition, aligning with divine purposes. Conversely, the individual steeped in folly demonstrates an inherent rebelliousness and spiritual insensitivity that results in an active contempt, particularly towards their mother. This despising is not just neglect but an active spurning of the one who likely provided the deepest, most consistent care. The depth of the folly is revealed in the disrespect shown to a parent, demonstrating a brokenness in foundational relationships. The verse teaches that one's personal character is never isolated; it radiates outward, shaping the emotional landscape of one’s closest kin. Ultimately, this reflects whether a child aligns with God’s design for familial harmony or chooses a path of self-serving chaos.

• Examples:
  • A child diligently pursues studies, makes morally sound decisions, and helps maintain a harmonious home, thus lightening their parents' burden and filling them with pride and contentment.
  • An individual continually disregards parental advice, engages in destructive behaviors, and communicates disrespectfully, causing persistent heartache and public shame to their parents.