Proverbs 23:22-25
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a crucial shift: while a father's authority stems from "begetting" you, a mother's counsel deserves respect even when she's "old." This isn't just about honoring elders; it's a reminder that a parent's wisdom doesn't expire with age, and their continued presence, even in weakness, calls for reverence, not contempt.
This proverb is part of a larger section offering wisdom to a young person, urging them to listen to instruction and not be led astray by worldly pleasures or foolish companions. It’s framed within the context of a wise father speaking to his son, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance and the profound, lasting value of truth and wisdom over fleeting desires. The verses immediately following reinforce this by advising the purchase of truth and selling it not, highlighting that a wise son brings immense joy to his parents.
Your parents gave you life, but does your obligation to them end when you become an adult? This verse says no.
The instruction to 'listen to your father who gave you life' isn't just for children. The Hebrew word for 'listen' here implies more than just hearing; it means to obey, to heed, and to be attentive. This duty doesn't expire with age. Furthermore, the command to 'not despise your mother when she is old' highlights a crucial aspect of respect. Age can bring infirmity and a perceived helplessness, making it easy to dismiss or look down on our parents. However, their age doesn't diminish their value or your responsibility towards them. Their life experience, and more importantly, their foundational role in your existence, demands continued honor.
Why should you never despise your mother, even when she's old and perhaps burdensome? It’s about recognizing the deep well of her love and sacrifice.
The verse urges us not to 'despise your mother when she is old.' This isn't merely about avoiding rudeness; it's about remembering the immense effort and sacrifice involved in bringing us into the world and raising us. Old age can make parents seem less capable or even like a burden. However, this is precisely when their vulnerability calls for our greatest compassion and gratitude. The fact that she 'bore' you (a concept implied in the connection to 'father who begat thee') signifies a profound act of love and endurance. To despise her in her old age is to forget the source of your own life and the love that sustained it.
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Understand the original words
buz · Hebrew Verb
To treat with contempt, disregard, or consider of no value. It is the opposite of the honor and reverence commanded toward parents.
emeth · Hebrew Noun
That which is real, faithful, and conforms to the character and revelation of God. It is a foundational virtue that must be pursued and guarded at any cost.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
The practical application of divine knowledge. It involves living skillfully and righteously in accordance with God's design for life.
musar · Hebrew Noun
Disciplined correction or training that shapes one's character. It is often painful in the moment but essential for growth and moral maturity.
binah · Hebrew Noun
The ability to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood. It implies a deep, perceptive understanding that goes beyond surface-level facts.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Noun
One who is in right standing with God. A righteous person is characterized by moral integrity, obedience to God’s law, and alignment with His justice.
This passage directly states the commandment to honor your father and mother, establishing the foundational principle behind the Proverb's counsel.
Ephesians 6:1-3Paul echoes the Old Testament command, linking obedience to parents with a blessing, emphasizing the importance of this relationship within the Christian life.
Leviticus 19:32This verse specifically highlights showing reverence for the elderly, reinforcing the Proverb's caution against despising a mother in her old age.
Luke 2:51This shows Jesus himself, even as he grew in wisdom and stature, remaining subject to his earthly parents, providing a perfect example of hearkening to parents.
jfbProverbs 23:22: "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
- Hearken—that is, obey (Pr 1:8; Eph 6:1).despise … old—Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.
clarkeProverbs 23:22: "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
Despise not thy mother when she is old - A very necessary caution, as very old women are generally helpless, useless, and burdensome: yet these circumstances do not at all lessen the child's duty. And this duty is strengthened by the Divine command here given.
The verse highlights a crucial shift: while a father's authority stems from "begetting" you, a mother's counsel deserves respect even when she's "old." This isn't just about honoring elders; it's a reminder that a parent's wisdom doesn't expire with age, and their continued presence, even in weakness, calls for reverence, not contempt.
This proverb is part of a larger section offering wisdom to a young person, urging them to listen to instruction and not be led astray by worldly pleasures or foolish companions. It’s framed within the context of a wise father speaking to his son, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance and the profound, lasting value of truth and wisdom over fleeting desires. The verses immediately following reinforce this by advising the purchase of truth and selling it not, highlighting that a wise son brings immense joy to his parents.
This proverb is part of a larger section offering wisdom to a young person, urging them to listen to instruction and not be led astray by worldly pleasures or foolish companions. It’s framed within the context of a wise father speaking to his son, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance and the profound, lasting value of truth and wisdom over fleeting desires. The verses immediately following reinforce this by advising the purchase of truth and selling it not, highlighting that a wise son brings immense joy to his parents.
"Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; h…" — The verse highlights a crucial shift: while a father's authority stems from "begetting" you, a mother's counsel deserves respect even when she's "old." This isn't just about honoring elders; it's a r…
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