Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it mentions the father specifically in relation to a wise son and the mother to a foolish one, the verse's wisdom really speaks to both parents being affected by their children's choices. The slight distinction in wording ("glad father" versus "sorrow to his mother") highlights how a child's character can bring profound joy or deep heartache, touching each parent in unique but equally impactful ways.
This verse marks the beginning of a new section in Proverbs, shifting to shorter, independent proverbs that contrast wisdom and folly. The preceding chapters served as an introduction, building anticipation for these direct, often opposing statements that offer practical wisdom for daily life. This first proverb immediately sets the tone by highlighting the profound emotional impact children have on their parents, whether bringing joy or sorrow.
Did you know this verse marks a shift in the book of Proverbs? It's like turning a page to a whole new section!
Proverbs 10:1 signals the beginning of what many scholars consider the core collection of Solomon's proverbs. The first nine chapters served as an introduction, preparing the reader to engage deeply with wisdom. Now, we dive into short, often contrasting, statements that offer practical wisdom for daily life. This verse sets the stage by highlighting a foundational relationship: parent and child.
This verse uses a classic 'Proverbs' technique – putting two opposite ideas side-by-side. What does this contrast reveal?
Solomon masterfully uses antithesis, or contrast, to make his point crystal clear. He juxtaposes the 'wise son' with the 'foolish son.' Wisdom here isn't just about intelligence; it's about living a life that honors God and brings positive outcomes. Conversely, foolishness leads to sorrow. The impact isn't just personal; it reverberates through the family.
Why does the verse mention the father's gladness and the mother's sorrow specifically? Is there a deeper meaning?
While both parents are certainly affected by their children's choices, the proverb highlights a nuanced emotional reality. A wise child brings joy that can be openly celebrated and recognized, often by a father who sees the fruit of good character. A foolish child's actions, however, often bring a deep, persistent sorrow, which historically and emotionally might have been more keenly felt or expressed by a mother due to closer proximity and emotional bonds. This isn't to diminish a father's pain, but to acknowledge the profound, sometimes differing, ways parental hearts are touched by their children's lives.
Understand the original words
mashal · Hebrew Noun
A concise, pithy saying, often in poetic form, designed to convey wisdom, moral truth, or practical observation about life. In Proverbs, it serves as a vehicle for divine instruction.
chakam · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
In biblical wisdom literature, this refers to one who fears the Lord and lives in accordance with His moral order, demonstrating practical skill in godly living.
kesil · Hebrew Noun
In Proverbs, this describes one who rejects God's wisdom, lacks moral discernment, and lives in a way that is contrary to divine law, leading to self-destruction.
This passage shows Esau's bitterness and grief towards his brother Jacob, illustrating the deep sorrow a foolish or deceitful son can cause his parents.
2 Samuel 18:33King David's lament, 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! I would that I had died for thee,' powerfully conveys the profound grief a parent experiences over a rebellious or lost child.
Luke 15:20The father's immediate embrace and celebration of his returning prodigal son highlights the joy a 'wise' child brings back to their heavenly Father.
Ephesians 6:1-3This passage directly addresses children, commanding them to obey their parents in the Lord, which is stated to be 'right' and will lead to blessings, echoing the sentiment of bringing joy to parents.
bensonProverbs 10:1: "The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother."
Proverbs 10:1 . The Proverbs of Solomon — Properly so called; for the foregoing chapters, although they had this title in the beginning of them, yet, in truth, were only a preparation to them, intended to stir up men’s minds to the greater attention to all the precepts of wisdom, whereof some here follow; see the argument prefixed to this chapter. A wise son — That is, pr…
clarkeProverbs 10:1: "The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother."
The proverbs of Solomon - Some ancient MSS. of the Vulgate have Proverbiorum liber secundus, "The second book of the Proverbs." The preceding nine chapters can only be considered as an introduction, if indeed they may be said to make even a part, of the proverbs of Solomon, which appear to commence only at the tenth chapter. A wise son maketh a glad father - The parallels…
While it mentions the father specifically in relation to a wise son and the mother to a foolish one, the verse's wisdom really speaks to both parents being affected by their children's choices. The slight distinction in wording ("glad father" versus "sorrow to his mother") highlights how a child's character can bring profound joy or deep heartache, touching each parent in unique but equally impactful ways.
This verse marks the beginning of a new section in Proverbs, shifting to shorter, independent proverbs that contrast wisdom and folly. The preceding chapters served as an introduction, building anticipation for these direct, often opposing statements that offer practical wisdom for daily life. This first proverb immediately sets the tone by highlighting the profound emotional impact children have on their parents, whether bringing joy or sorrow.
This verse marks the beginning of a new section in Proverbs, shifting to shorter, independent proverbs that contrast wisdom and folly. The preceding chapters served as an introduction, building anticipation for these direct, often opposing statements that offer practical wisdom for daily life. This first proverb immediately sets the tone by highlighting the profound emotional impact children have on their parents, whether bringing joy or sorrow.
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"The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother." — While it mentions the father specifically in relation to a wise son and the mother to a foolish one, the verse's wisdom really speaks to *both* parents being affected by their children's choices. The…