There is a generation of those who curse their fathersThis phrase highlights a societal trend where respect for parental authority is diminished. In biblical times, honoring one's parents was a fundamental commandment (
Exodus 20:12), and cursing them was a serious offense (
Leviticus 20:9). The act of cursing one's father signifies a rebellion against God-ordained authority. This generational behavior can be seen as a fulfillment of warnings about the last days, where disobedience to parents is listed among other sins (
2 Timothy 3:1-2). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on family honor, making this behavior particularly egregious.
and do not bless their mothers.
Failing to bless one's mother indicates a lack of gratitude and appreciation for her role and sacrifices. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, mothers were revered for their nurturing and pivotal role in the family. The absence of blessing reflects a broader societal decay in moral and familial values. This behavior contrasts with the wisdom literature's emphasis on the importance of a mother's teaching (Proverbs 1:8). The failure to bless can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual ingratitude, where people fail to acknowledge and thank God for His providence, similar to how they neglect their earthly mothers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AgurThe author of
Proverbs 30, Agur is a figure about whom little is known, but he is recognized for his wisdom and insights into human behavior and divine truth.
2.
The GenerationThis refers to a group or type of people characterized by their disrespect and ingratitude towards their parents, which is a broader reflection of societal attitudes.
3.
Fathers and MothersSymbolic of parental authority and the family unit, which are foundational to societal structure and moral teaching in biblical contexts.
Teaching Points
Respect for Parental AuthorityThe verse highlights the importance of respecting and honoring parents as a reflection of one's character and obedience to God's commandments.
Generational ReflectionEach generation is called to self-examination to ensure they are not characterized by the negative traits described in this proverb.
Cultural and Spiritual DeclineDisrespect towards parents can be seen as a symptom of broader cultural and spiritual decline, urging believers to uphold biblical values.
Role of the FamilyThe family is a God-ordained institution, and maintaining respect within it is crucial for societal stability and spiritual health.
Call to Repentance and RestorationFor those who recognize these traits in themselves, there is a call to repentance and a return to biblical principles of honoring parents.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 30:11?
2.How does Proverbs 30:11 describe the behavior of certain generations toward parents?
3.What are the consequences of dishonoring parents according to biblical teachings?
4.How can we cultivate respect for parents in today's society?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize honoring parents, and how do they relate?
6.How can families implement Proverbs 30:11 to strengthen their relationships?
7.How does Proverbs 30:11 reflect generational differences in respect and values?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 30:11?
9.How does Proverbs 30:11 challenge modern views on family dynamics?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 30?
11.What advice do the ungodly offer?
12.Psalm 31:10 links sin to physical weakness--does any scientific or historical evidence suggest moral wrongdoing can directly cause illness?
13.Would Jesus inherit David's throne? Yes, per Luke 1:32. No, as a descendant of cursed Jehoiakim (Matthew 1:11, 1 Chronicles 3:16, Jeremiah 36:30).
14.What does 'winning souls is wise' mean?What Does Proverbs 30:11 Mean
There is a generation“There is a generation” alerts us that the writer is pointing to a recognizable kind of people who share the same moral traits, not merely a single age bracket. Scripture often speaks of a “generation” to describe collective character rather than chronology (Judges 2:10;Psalm 12:7;Matthew 24:34). By using this phrase:
• Agur acknowledges recurring seasons when society drifts from God’s order.
• The wording implies that believers should be discerning, able to spot cultural patterns that oppose God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:1–5).
• It warns that moral decline is not confined to ancient Israel; any culture can slide into the same rebellion when it forgets the LORD (Deuteronomy 8:19–20).
Those who curse their fathers“To curse” is more than harsh words; it is to treat one’s father with contempt, rejecting his God‐given authority. This violates the fifth commandment, “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). Consider:
•Proverbs 20:20 – “Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.” Immediate judgment is pictured as unavoidable.
•Deuteronomy 27:16 – God placed a formal curse on those who despise parents, showing how seriously He views domestic authority.
•Malachi 4:6 foretells a day when hearts of fathers and children will be reconciled, highlighting that broken family relationships grieve God’s purpose.
Rejecting a father’s instruction usually snowballs into resisting any authority, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or divine. The result is social instability—exactly what we see whenever a culture mocks paternal leadership.
And do not bless their mothersFailing to “bless” a mother is more than neglect; it is withholding the gratitude, respect, and care she is due. The verse balances the stern warning about cursing a father with a softer, yet equally serious, omission toward the mother:
•Proverbs 23:22–25 calls children to “listen to your father” and “do not despise your mother when she is old,” promising joy to parents who are honored.
•Ephesians 6:2–3 reiterates the commandment with a promise: “Honor your father and mother,” so “it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
• Jesus modeled this even from the cross, entrusting His mother to John (John 19:26–27), showing that honoring one’s mother is lifelong.
To “bless” parents includes speaking well of them, providing for them, and esteeming their role. When a generation refuses to bless its mothers, it displays ingratitude toward the very source of its nurture.
summaryProverbs 30:11 exposes a recognizable class of people who despise parental authority and withhold the honor God commands. Such attitudes are symptomatic of a larger cultural rebellion against God Himself. By honoring father and mother—in word, attitude, and action—believers reflect obedience to Scripture, preserve social stability, and receive God’s promised blessing.
(11)
There is a generation. . .--The words
"there is" are not in the Hebrew, so it is left in doubt what is the predicate of these four evil "generations," whether Agur means by them to describe the men of his own time, or to say that such are unbearable. (Comp.
Proverbs 30:21.) The same characters are to be found in the description of men of the "last days" (
2Timothy 3:1sqq)
.Verses 11-31 contain six groups of four sentences each, each quaternion having a certain connection in language and concinnity of idea. First (vers. 11-14) come four generations that are evil - four being taken as the symbol of universality. The sins herein specified had become so general that they affected the whole generation.
Verse 11. -
There is a generation that eurseth their father. The words, "there is," are not found in the Hebrew, and the four subjects are without a predicate. Delitzsch calls the group "a mutilated priamel," which is explained to be a kind of gnomic poetry containing a series of antecedents or subjects followed by an epigrammatic conclusion applicable to all the antecedents. In the present ease the conclusion is wanting, so that we are left in doubt whether the author meant merely to de. scribe classes of men in his own time or to affirm that such are abominable. Septuagint, "A wicked generation curseth its father (
ἔκγονον κακόν)," which expression is repeated at each of the four verses. The first sin is that which offends against the commandment to honour and obey parents. This was judged worthy of death under the old Law (
Exodus 21:17; see
Proverbs 20:20, and note there).
And doth not bless their mother. This is a
litotes, "not to bless" being equivalent to "to curse."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
There is a generationדּ֭וֹר(dō·wr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755:A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwellingof those who curseיְקַלֵּ֑ל(yə·qal·lêl)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7043:To be slight, swift or triflingtheir fathersאָבִ֣יו(’ā·ḇîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherand do notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noblessיְבָרֵֽךְ׃(yə·ḇā·rêḵ)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to cursetheir mothers.אִ֝מּ֗וֹ(’im·mōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:11 There is a generation that curses their (Prov. Pro Pr) 
