A wise son brings joy to his fatherIn the biblical context, wisdom is highly valued and often associated with the fear of the Lord (
Proverbs 9:10). A wise son, therefore, is one who lives according to God's principles, bringing joy to his father. This reflects the cultural importance of family honor in ancient Israel, where a son's actions could significantly impact the family's reputation. The joy mentioned here is not merely emotional but also social and spiritual, as a wise son upholds the family's standing in the community and aligns with God's covenantal promises. This phrase echoes the broader biblical theme of wisdom leading to life and blessing (
Proverbs 3:13-18).
but a foolish man despises his mother
Foolishness in Proverbs is often equated with moral and spiritual folly, not just a lack of intelligence. A foolish man, therefore, acts in ways that are contrary to God's commands, bringing shame and dishonor to his family. In the cultural context of the time, despising one's mother would be seen as a grave offense, as mothers were highly respected figures within the family unit. This phrase highlights the relational and societal consequences of foolishness, contrasting the joy of a wise son with the grief and dishonor brought by a foolish man. The use of "despises" indicates a deep-seated disrespect and rejection of parental guidance, which is contrary to the biblical command to honor one's parents (Exodus 20:12). This reflects the broader biblical narrative where rebellion against parental authority often symbolizes rebellion against God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Wise SonRepresents an individual who lives according to God's wisdom, making choices that honor and bring joy to their parents.
2.
FatherSymbolizes authority, guidance, and the joy that comes from seeing one's children walk in wisdom.
3.
Foolish ManRepresents someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, leading to actions that bring shame and dishonor.
4.
MotherRepresents nurturing, care, and the emotional pain experienced when a child acts foolishly.
Teaching Points
The Value of WisdomWisdom is not just intellectual but practical, impacting family relationships and bringing joy to those we love.
Parental Joy and SorrowOur actions have a profound effect on our parents, and living wisely can be a source of great joy to them.
The Consequences of FoolishnessFoolishness leads to a breakdown in family relationships and dishonors those who have nurtured us.
Honoring ParentsLiving a life that honors God is a way to honor our parents, fulfilling the biblical command to respect and cherish them.
Reflecting God's WisdomAs believers, we are called to reflect God's wisdom in our daily lives, impacting those around us positively.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 15:20?
2.How can we honor our parents as Proverbs 15:20 instructs?
3.What does Proverbs 15:20 reveal about wisdom's impact on family relationships?
4.How does Proverbs 15:20 connect with the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12?
5.In what ways can foolishness bring "grief" to a mother, as stated in Proverbs 15:20?
6.How can we apply Proverbs 15:20 in daily interactions with our parents?
7.How does Proverbs 15:20 define wisdom and foolishness in family relationships?
8.What cultural context influenced the writing of Proverbs 15:20?
9.How does Proverbs 15:20 relate to honoring one's parents?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15?
11.What does the Bible say about foolishness?
12.What does the Bible say about busybodies?
13.What does the Bible say about respecting parents?
14.What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'?What Does Proverbs 15:20 Mean
a wise son• Scripture calls wisdom a moral choice rooted in “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7).
• A wise son aligns his life with God’s revealed truth, imitating the “wisdom from above” that is “first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17).
• Wisdom shows up in everyday decisions—speech that edifies, finances handled ethically, friendships chosen carefully (compareProverbs 13:20; 20:7).
• Solomon often addresses “my son,” urging a heart tuned to God; when that counsel is heeded, parents—and heaven—rejoice (Proverbs 23:15-16).
brings joy to his father• The joy here is more than a passing smile; it is deep satisfaction that a child is walking in truth (3John 4).
•Proverbs 23:24 affirms, “The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice,” highlighting the link between a child’s righteous choices and a parent’s glad heart.
• Jesus’ parable of the returning son pictures a father running to embrace and celebrate obedience restored (Luke 15:20-24).
• Practical outworking:
– Honesty in business dealings lifts a father’s reputation.
– Sexual purity guards the family’s name (Proverbs 5:18-19).
– Compassionate service reflects the Father’s own heart (Matthew 5:16).
but a foolish man• Foolishness in Proverbs is never mere mental deficiency; it is willful rejection of God’s ways (Psalm 14:1).
• Characteristics include:
– Self-reliance: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15).
– Quick temper and reckless words (Proverbs 14:16-17).
– Mockery of sin and authority (Proverbs 14:9).
• The tragic irony: the fool thinks he is free, yet he is enslaved to sin and brings sorrow on those who love him (Proverbs 10:1).
despises his mother• “Despise” goes beyond surface disrespect; it signifies contempt and rejection of the one who nurtured him.
• God’s law elevates a mother’s honor: “Each of you is to respect his mother and father” (Leviticus 19:3); to violate this is rebellion against God Himself (Exodus 20:12).
• Jesus rebuked religious leaders who excused dishonor under the guise of piety (Matthew 15:4-6).
• Practical expressions of despising a mother:
– Ignoring her counsel (Proverbs 1:8).
– Abandoning her in old age (Proverbs 19:26).
– Speaking harshly or with ridicule (Proverbs 30:17).
• In stark contrast, the wise son “brings joy” by valuing his mother, providing for her needs, and listening to her instruction (Ephesians 6:2).
summaryProverbs 15:20 sets two clear paths: the wise son, whose reverence for God translates into righteous living that delights his father, and the foolish man, whose disdain for divine order shows up in contempt for his mother. The verse reminds us that choices rooted in godly wisdom bless the family, honor parental authority established by God, and ultimately reflect the heart of the Heavenly Father.
Verse 20-ch. 19:25. - Third section of this collection.
Verse 20. - (For this verse, see
Proverbs 10:1.)
A foolish man despiseth his mother, and therefore is "heaviness" to her. Or the verb may mean "shameth." "A foolish man" is literally "a fool of a man."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A wiseחָ֭כָם(ḥā·ḵām)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450:Wisesonבֵּ֣ן(bên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonbrings joyיְשַׂמַּח־(yə·śam·maḥ-)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8055:To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesometo his father,אָ֑ב(’āḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherbut a foolishוּכְסִ֥יל(ū·ḵə·sîl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684:Stupid fellow, dullard, foolmanאָ֝דָ֗ם(’ā·ḏām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingdespisesבּוֹזֶ֥ה(bō·w·zeh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 959:To disesteemhis mother.אִמּֽוֹ׃(’im·mōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:20 A wise son makes a father glad (Prov. Pro Pr)