A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 15:20
What does Proverbs 15:20 mean?
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Proverbs 15:20
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It's easy to focus on the "wise son" making his father glad, but notice how the verse pivots to a foolish man despising his mother. This isn't just about a lack of respect; it's presented as a profound act of folly that brings deep sorrow, directly contrasting the joy a wise son brings.
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger collection within Proverbs that contrasts wisdom and folly, often framing them through family relationships. It directly follows a section about seeking instruction and being corrected, highlighting the ongoing tension between choosing wise paths and foolish ones. This verse emphasizes the emotional impact of a child's behavior on their parents, showing how obedience brings joy while contempt brings sorrow.
We often think about how our actions affect God, but what about our earthly parents? This verse paints a beautiful picture of the impact we have.
The first part of this verse highlights a profound truth: a wise child brings joy to their father.
A Father's Delight
This isn't just about avoiding trouble. Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is about living according to God's principles. When a son (or daughter) embodies this wisdom – showing respect, diligence, and godliness – it's a source of deep satisfaction and pride for a father. It’s a reflection of his guidance and a testament to a life lived well, bringing immense gladness.
The Contrast
This joy is starkly contrasted with the foolishness that follows.
While a wise son delights his father, the verse pivots to a harsher reality. What does it truly mean to 'despise' your mother, and why is it such foolishness?
The second half of the verse presents a jarring contrast: "but a foolish man despises his mother."
The Weight of Contempt
To 'despise' here means more than just disagreement; it implies a deep disrespect, a rejection of her value and her role. Given that mothers are often the primary caregivers, bearing and nurturing, this contempt is a grave offense. It causes her immense grief and shame, making her sorrow a reflection of his folly.
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A Root of Foolishness
This act is labeled as extreme foolishness. It shows a profound lack of understanding of honor, gratitude, and the natural order. Such behavior doesn't just hurt a parent; it reveals a heart that is fundamentally at odds with wisdom and godly principles, leading to severe consequences.
Understand the original words
chakam · Hebrew Adjective
Possessing the skill of living in accordance with God's revealed will. It includes spiritual insight, practical morality, and the application of divine knowledge to everyday choices.
kesil · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks moral or spiritual understanding. Biblically, a fool is not merely unintelligent, but one who rejects God's instruction, acts with arrogance, and persists in wrong paths.
This proverb is a direct repetition, highlighting the enduring wisdom about the contrast between wise and foolish children and their impact on parents.
Luke 15:11-32The parable of the Prodigal Son vividly illustrates the deep grief and shame a foolish, rebellious child brings to their father, paralleling the sentiment here.
Exodus 20:12This commandment to 'honor your father and your mother' underscores the divine expectation for children, making the 'despising' of a parent a direct violation and a source of profound sorrow.
Ephesians 6:1-3Paul echoes the Old Testament command, linking obedience and honor to children with God's blessing, further emphasizing the weight and consequence of how children treat their parents.
pulpitProverbs 15:20: "A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother."
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."
gillProverbs 15:20: "A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother."
A wise son maketh a glad father,.... See Gill on Proverbs 10:1 ; but a foolish man despiseth his mother; that bore him and brought him up, and perhaps was too indulgent to him; which aggravates his sin and her sorrow; See Gill on Proverbs 10:1; or causes her to be despised by others, as Jarchi interprets it; such a man's sin, which is great folly, and shows him to be a foolish man, is highly resented by t…
It's easy to focus on the "wise son" making his father glad, but notice how the verse pivots to a foolish man despising his mother. This isn't just about a lack of respect; it's presented as a profound act of folly that brings deep sorrow, directly contrasting the joy a wise son brings.
This proverb is part of a larger collection within Proverbs that contrasts wisdom and folly, often framing them through family relationships. It directly follows a section about seeking instruction and being corrected, highlighting the ongoing tension between choosing wise paths and foolish ones. This verse emphasizes the emotional impact of a child's behavior on their parents, showing how obedience brings joy while contempt brings sorrow.
This proverb is part of a larger collection within Proverbs that contrasts wisdom and folly, often framing them through family relationships. It directly follows a section about seeking instruction and being corrected, highlighting the ongoing tension between choosing wise paths and foolish ones. This verse emphasizes the emotional impact of a child's behavior on their parents, showing how obedience brings joy while contempt brings sorrow.
"A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother." — It's easy to focus on the "wise son" making his father glad, but notice how the verse pivots to a foolish man despising his mother. This isn't just about a lack of respect; it's presented as a prof…
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Last reviewed October 2026