A wise son heeds his father’s disciplineThis phrase emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience within the family structure. In ancient Israel, the family was the primary unit of education and moral instruction. Fathers were seen as the primary educators, responsible for imparting wisdom and discipline to their children. The term "wise son" suggests a person who values and seeks wisdom, aligning with the broader biblical theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (
Proverbs 9:10). The concept of discipline here is not merely punitive but instructional, aiming to guide the son in the way of righteousness. This aligns with the biblical principle found in
Hebrews 12:5-11, where discipline is portrayed as a sign of God's love and a means of producing holiness.
but a mocker does not listen to rebuke
The term "mocker" refers to someone who is arrogant and dismissive of correction, often associated with foolishness in the wisdom literature. In the cultural context of the Bible, mockers were seen as those who rejected wisdom and instruction, leading to their downfall (Proverbs 1:22, 29-31). The refusal to listen to rebuke indicates a hardened heart and a rejection of authority, which is contrary to the biblical call to humility and teachability. This attitude is contrasted with the wise, who are open to correction and growth. The New Testament echoes this sentiment inJames 1:19-21, encouraging believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak, highlighting the value of receiving correction.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Wise SonRepresents an individual who is prudent and discerning, willing to accept guidance and correction.
2.
FatherSymbolizes authority and the source of wisdom and discipline, often representing God or parental figures.
3.
MockerA person who scorns or ridicules wisdom and correction, often characterized by pride and foolishness.
Teaching Points
The Value of WisdomEmbrace the wisdom that comes from accepting discipline. A wise person understands that correction is a pathway to growth and maturity.
The Role of AuthorityRecognize and respect the role of authority figures, such as parents and spiritual leaders, who provide guidance and correction.
The Danger of MockeryAvoid the attitude of a mocker, which leads to folly and destruction. Pride and refusal to listen can hinder personal and spiritual growth.
Listening to God’s DisciplineJust as a wise son listens to his father, believers should be attentive to God’s discipline, understanding it as an expression of His love and desire for our holiness.
Cultivating HumilityDevelop a humble heart that is open to correction and willing to learn from mistakes, leading to a life of wisdom and righteousness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 13:1?
2.How can we apply "heeds his father’s instruction" in our daily lives?
3.What does Proverbs 13:1 teach about the importance of listening to wisdom?
4.How does Proverbs 13:1 connect with Ephesians 6:1 on honoring parents?
5.Why is ignoring "rebuke" considered foolish according to Proverbs 13:1?
6.How can we cultivate a heart that "heeds" instruction in our spiritual walk?
7.How does Proverbs 13:1 define the relationship between wisdom and discipline?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 13:1?
9.How does Proverbs 13:1 challenge modern views on parental authority?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13?
11.What defines a scorner's traits and behavior in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about disrespectful children?
13.What does the Bible say about disrespectful children?
14.What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:1?What Does Proverbs 13:1 Mean
Setting the SceneProverbs is God’s inspired handbook on everyday wisdom. Solomon’s brief, memorable sayings draw a sharp contrast between the teachable and the stubborn. In 13:1 we meet both in one sentence.
A Wise Son• “A wise son” (Proverbs 10:1) is one who wants God’s truth more than self-will.
• Wisdom, in Scripture, is never merely IQ; it is moral responsiveness to God (Proverbs 1:7).
• Cross references:Proverbs 15:20 shows a wise son bringing joy to his parents;Ephesians 6:1-3 calls children to obey “in the Lord,” tying family obedience to God’s command.
Heeds His Father’s Discipline• “Heeds” means he pays careful attention and puts it into action (James 1:22).
• “Father’s discipline” is loving correction, not harshness (Hebrews 12:5-6). In Israelite homes the father represented God’s authority (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
• The wise son recognizes discipline as protection, so he receives it gratefully (Proverbs 19:20; 23:22).
• Bullet points of what this looks like today:
– Listening without interrupting.
– Asking clarifying questions before reacting.
– Making real-life changes—apologies, restitution, schedule adjustments, new habits.
A Mocker• A “mocker” (Proverbs 21:24) is proud, cynical, and verbally destructive.
• Scorn defines him (Proverbs 9:7-8); he attacks whoever dares oppose him.
• He thinks correction lowers his status, so he defends ego at all costs (Proverbs 14:6).
• Mockery is contagious;Proverbs 22:10 urges us to drive it out before it poisons a group.
Does Not Listen to Rebuke• “Does not listen” is deliberate deafness (Jeremiah 6:10).
• Rebuke—whether gentle or stern—meets a closed door (Proverbs 15:12).
• Without course correction, he piles up consequences (Proverbs 29:1).
• New-covenant echo: those who reject loving reproof “store up wrath” (Romans 2:5).
Practical Takeaways• Parents: Give discipline that mirrors the Father’s heart—clear, consistent, loving (Colossians 3:21).
• Children of all ages: Treasure correction from godly authorities—parents, pastors, mentors (Proverbs 19:27).
• All believers: Cultivate a rebuke-friendly heart; wise people invite feedback (Proverbs 27:5-6;Galatians 6:1).
summaryProverbs 13:1 draws a line. On one side stands the wise, gladly embracing a father’s God-given discipline, growing in character, and bringing joy to the home. On the other side stands the mocker, plugging his ears to rebuke and accelerating toward ruin. Scripture calls us to choose wisdom—humble, teachable, receptive—because that path leads to life and lasting honor before God and people.
XIII.(1)A wise son heareth his father's instruction.--Or,is his father's instruction, i.e.,the result and embodiment of it.
A scorner.--See above onProverbs 1:22.
Verse 1-ch. 15:19. Second section in this collection.
Verse 1. -
A wise son heareth his father's instruction. The Authorized Version introduces the verb from the second member. The Hebrew is elliptical, "A wise son, his father's discipline,"
i.e. is the object or the result of his father's education; he owes his wisdom to it. Septuagint, "A clever (
πανοῦργος) son is obedient to his father."
But a scorner (
Proverbs 1:22)
heareth not rebuke; one who mocks at goodness and despises filial piety will not listen to reproof. Septuagint, "A disobedient son is in destruction." Compare the case of Eli's sons, and their fate (
1 Samuel 2:25;
1 Samuel 4:17).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A wiseחָ֭כָם(ḥā·ḵām)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450:Wisesonבֵּ֣ן(bên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son[heeds] his father’sאָ֑ב(’āḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherdiscipline,מ֣וּסַר(mū·sar)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4148:Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraintbut a mockerוְ֝לֵ֗ץ(wə·lêṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887:Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mockerdoes notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nolistenשָׁמַ֥ע(šā·ma‘)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyto rebuke.גְּעָרָֽה׃(gə·‘ā·rāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1606:A chiding
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:1 A wise son listens to his father's (Prov. Pro Pr)