Proverbs 19:13 kjv

A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

Proverbs 19:13 nkjv

A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.

Proverbs 19:13 niv

A foolish child is a father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

Proverbs 19:13 esv

A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.

Proverbs 19:13 nlt

A foolish child is a calamity to a father;
a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 13 Meaning

Proverbs 19:13 identifies two significant sources of profound domestic distress and suffering within a family unit. Firstly, a foolish son, characterized by his moral deficiency and rebellious choices, brings about severe destruction and great burden upon his father, impacting not just emotional well-being but potentially financial and social standing. Secondly, a wife who is habitually argumentative and contentious creates an atmosphere of incessant, irritating, and ultimately destructive discord, vividly depicted as the inescapable nuisance of a continual drip from a leaky roof. Both scenarios describe environments of prolonged discomfort and ultimate ruin, originating from the detrimental character and conduct of family members.

Proverbs 19 13 Context

Proverbs chapter 19 is part of the extensive collection of wisdom literature traditionally attributed to King Solomon (Proverbs 10-22:16). This section of Proverbs often employs concise, balanced statements to convey moral truths and practical guidance for living. The chapter repeatedly contrasts wise and foolish behaviors, highlighting their consequential impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Verse 13 stands out as a stark warning about internal familial disarray caused by two specific sources: the conduct of a child and the disposition of a spouse. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a son was paramount as an heir, securing the family's lineage, honor, and economic future; thus, his foolishness could indeed bring about comprehensive "ruin" (havvah) to his father's household. The cultural significance of the wife's role centered on creating a harmonious domestic sphere; therefore, a contentious wife was seen as a pervasive source of distress. The metaphor of a "continual dripping" was relatable, as leaking roofs were a common and highly annoying household problem, symbolizing inescapable, persistent irritation that slowly but surely erodes peace and comfort.

Proverbs 19 13 Word analysis

• A foolish son (ben sakal - בֵּן סָכָל):
  • son (ben): Refers to the male child, critical as the potential heir and perpetuator of the family name and heritage in ancient Israelite society.
  • foolish (sakal): Implies not merely intellectual dullness but moral deficiency. A sakal person consistently rejects wisdom, counsel, and righteous living, often leading to self-destructive behaviors and disrepute.
• is the ruin (havvah - הַוָּה):
  • This Hebrew word conveys strong meanings of destruction, calamity, disaster, or perversity that leads to devastation. It indicates that the son's foolishness results in concrete, grievous harm to his father, possibly involving financial loss, social disgrace, or emotional anguish, going beyond simple disappointment.
• of his father: The individual directly and profoundly impacted by the foolish son's destructive actions. The father carries the burden and experiences the tangible consequences of the ruin.
• and the contentions (midyanim - מִדְיָנִים):
  • Derived from a root meaning "to judge" or "to strive," this term denotes quarrels, disputes, strife, and incessant arguments. It describes a pervasive and unpeaceful disposition, rather than isolated disagreements, poisoning the household atmosphere.
• of a wife: Refers to the female spouse. In ancient society, a wife was the mistress of the home, central to its peace and order. Her contentious nature disrupts the foundational harmony of the household.
• are a continual dripping (delep tirhad - דֶּלֶף טִרְחַד):
  • continual (tirhad): Signifies persistence, compulsion, or something that is made relentless. It emphasizes the unbroken nature of the irritation.
  • dripping (delep): A leak, most often from a roof. This vivid metaphor, also found in other proverbs, signifies an unavoidable, persistent, and highly irritating nuisance. It describes a slow, corrosive wearing down of peace, patience, and comfort over time, much like water erosion gradually damages structures, turning the home into a place of profound disquiet.

Proverbs 19 13 Bonus section

The structure of Proverbs 19:13 utilizes synthetic parallelism, where the two lines convey related, reinforcing ideas, yet present distinct sources of familial distress. This pairing underscores the Proverbial emphasis on both filial piety and marital harmony as cornerstones of a thriving household. The "continual dripping" metaphor, used repeatedly in Proverbs (e.g., 27:15), is particularly potent, resonating with the common experiences of domestic annoyances that, if left unaddressed, can wear down even the strongest will. This wisdom teaches that suffering can stem not just from major external adversities but from persistent internal issues rooted in unchecked negative character traits, requiring both wisdom in parenting and diligence in fostering peaceful spousal relationships.

Proverbs 19 13 Commentary

Proverbs 19:13 succinctly highlights two devastating internal threats to familial peace and prosperity, rooted in character flaws. The "foolish son" brings havvah, a weighty destruction or burden, to his father. This is more than emotional disappointment; it encompasses a son's choices that could lead to financial ruin, public disgrace, or spiritual compromise for the family lineage. In parallel, the "contentions of a wife" are likened to an unavoidable and relentless "continual dripping." This imagery vividly portrays a constant, irritating nuisance that erodes domestic peace over time, making home life unbearable and psychologically draining. It's not a sudden catastrophe but a steady, cumulative breakdown of joy and harmony. The proverb serves as a strong warning: individual character—whether that of a child who must learn wisdom and obedience, or a spouse called to foster harmony—is paramount for the well-being of the entire household. It stresses the profound and often long-lasting impact that personal conduct, be it recklessness or belligerence, can have on family members and the home environment.