Proverbs 19:26 kjv

He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

Proverbs 19:26 nkjv

He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

Proverbs 19:26 niv

Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

Proverbs 19:26 esv

He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.

Proverbs 19:26 nlt

Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother
are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 26 Meaning

Proverbs 19:26 describes a son whose actions against his parents are reprehensible and carry severe consequences. He engages in robbing or plundering his father's possessions, implying a betrayal of trust and financial exploitation, potentially leaving the father destitute. Simultaneously, he cruelly drives out or expels his mother, forcing her from the familial home and leaving her vulnerable and without support. Such an individual, despite being a "son" by birth, forfeits the honor associated with that role. Instead, he becomes a source of deep shame and public reproach, bringing dishonor upon himself and his family in the eyes of society. The verse condemns filial impiety, greed, and abandonment, asserting that such grave misconduct naturally leads to disgrace and ostracism.

Proverbs 19 26 Context

Proverbs 19 is part of the "Proverbs of Solomon," a collection of moral and practical teachings intended to impart wisdom and understanding for living a righteous life. This chapter, like others in Proverbs, presents contrasting images of the wise and foolish, righteous and wicked, illustrating the consequences of different paths. It covers themes such as the transient nature of wealth without wisdom, the importance of patience, the folly of uncontrolled anger, and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Verse 26 specifically addresses one of the most grievous forms of familial misconduct within ancient Israelite society. The cultural context held the honor of parents (father and mother) as foundational to communal life, reflecting God's established order (the Fifth Commandment). Parents, especially in their old age, relied heavily on their children for care, provision, and protection. To rob a father meant exploiting his vulnerability or illegally seizing his inheritance, dispossessing him of his rightful resources. To drive out a mother meant to abandon her, potentially rendering her homeless and defenseless, thus severing sacred filial bonds. Such actions were not merely private family matters but were seen as grave societal affronts that brought dishonor upon the perpetrator and challenged the very fabric of communal moral order.

Proverbs 19 26 Word analysis

• He who robs (שֹׁלֵ֤ל֙ – sholel): From the verb shalal, meaning to plunder, despoil, spoil, or strip. This is not simple theft but a more aggressive act of taking, suggesting exploitation, pillaging, or even outright confiscation of possessions. It implies treating the father's property as spoils of war, demonstrating a total lack of respect and a ruthless intent to deprive. It often suggests a betrayal of trust, as this act is done by a son.
• his father (אָב – 'av): Refers to the male parent, the patriarch of the family. The Hebrew 'av denotes authority, provider, and head of the household. The son's action is a direct assault on the person from whom he received life and heritage.
• and drives out (יְגָּרֵ֖שׁ – yeggaresh): From the verb garash, meaning to drive out, expel, cast out, put away. This denotes a forceful removal, expulsion, or even divorce. It implies active abandonment, making someone homeless or depriving them of their rightful place and protection within the home and family structure. It is an act of utter cruelty and disregard.
• his mother (אֵם – 'em): Refers to the female parent, often associated with nurture, care, and the heart of the home. Expelling her from her home is an act of extreme heartlessness and filial neglect, leaving her vulnerable and unsupported, particularly in a society without modern social welfare.
• is a son (בֵּן – ben): Emphasizes the relationship of the offender to the victims. The gravity of the sin is amplified by the fact that it is committed by a "son," who is meant to honor and care for his parents, not exploit and abandon them. The irony highlights the depravity of the act.
• who brings shame (מֵבִ֣ישׁ – mebish): From the verb biyish or bush, meaning to be ashamed, confounded, disappointed, or to put to shame, disgrace. This signifies not merely personal shame experienced by the offender, but rather the act of actively causing or bringing shame and disgrace upon himself, his name, and potentially his entire family in the eyes of the community.
• and reproach (וְחֶרְפָּ֑ה – v'cherpah): From the noun cherpah, meaning scorn, taunt, disgrace, insult, shame, reproach. This signifies public disgrace and social condemnation. Such actions invite strong negative judgment and contempt from the community, isolating the perpetrator due to his heinous acts.

Word-Group Analysis:

• "He who robs his father and drives out his mother": This parallel structure highlights a two-pronged attack against both parents, signifying a comprehensive assault on the family unit. The acts represent both financial exploitation ("robs") and personal abandonment/abuse ("drives out"), demonstrating a total breakdown of filial duty and honor. The severity is magnified by victimizing both the paternal and maternal figures, leaving no familial relationship un-sullied. This is not a single transgression but a pattern of deep-seated depravity against those who should be most honored.
• "is a son who brings shame and reproach": This phrase functions as the pronouncement of consequence and identity. It directly labels the perpetrator based on his actions, rather than just stating an outcome. He isn't just someone who feels shame, but one whose very existence and actions generate public dishonor and scorn. This underlines the profound moral judgment and societal ostracism that such wickedness entails. The shame and reproach extend beyond the individual, reflecting negatively on the family that produced such a son.

Proverbs 19 26 Bonus section

The actions described in Proverbs 19:26 represent a pinnacle of wicked behavior within a family context, resonating with a deeper theological understanding of covenant loyalty and the honoring of authorities. From a legal perspective in ancient Israel, such severe acts could, under certain circumstances, be grounds for severe judicial action, as indicated by laws concerning rebellious sons (Dt 21:18-21) or those who strike/curse parents (Ex 21:15, 17). The fact that the verse emphasizes shame and reproach as the inevitable consequence highlights the internal, self-defeating nature of such evil, beyond any specific legal penalty. The very society whose values such a son violates will turn against him. This proverb directly opposes the corrupt religious practices condemned by Jesus (Mk 7:10-13, Mt 15:3-6), where individuals used religious vows ("Corban") as an excuse to avoid supporting their parents, essentially "robbing" them of necessary provision and "driving out" their responsibilities. Proverbs 19:26 provides the underlying moral principle against which such hypocritical piety stands condemned. It underscores that true wisdom includes valuing and actively caring for one's parents.

Proverbs 19 26 Commentary

Proverbs 19:26 profoundly condemns an extreme form of filial impiety that directly violates the fifth commandment to honor one's parents. The "son" described is characterized by two specific and egregious actions: ruthlessly plundering his father's possessions and callously expelling his mother from their home. These acts signify not merely disobedience but a deliberate and active betrayal of the deepest trust, a desecration of the sacred family bond, and a blatant disregard for the welfare of those who gave him life and nurture.

"Robbing his father" implies an aggressive financial exploitation, stripping him of resources he might need for sustenance or dignity in old age. This goes beyond mere theft; it’s an act of deep ingratitude and exploitation against the source of his inheritance. "Driving out his mother" speaks to an even more callous act of abandonment, forcibly severing her connection to her home and leaving her vulnerable and dependent. Both actions are characterized by an extreme form of self-centeredness and a lack of compassion, portraying a character devoid of natural affection and filial obligation.

The consequence articulated by the proverb is both social and spiritual: such a son brings "shame and reproach." This is not just personal regret but a public disgrace that attaches to the perpetrator and casts a dark shadow over his family name. In ancient society, where family honor was paramount, being a "son who brings shame" was one of the most severe social penalties, often leading to ostracization. Ultimately, this behavior is contrary to God's design for the family and His command for justice and love, reflecting a deeper moral corruption that invites both societal condemnation and divine displeasure. This verse warns that exploiting and abandoning parents, far from yielding advantage, inevitably leads to a life marked by dishonor and public scorn.