The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 23:24
What does Proverbs 23:24 mean?
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Proverbs 23:24
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This verse highlights that a father's deepest joy comes not from a child's worldly success, but from their genuine righteousness and wisdom. It points out that a wise son brings pleasure precisely because he is a testament to good training and character, not just earthly accomplishment.
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes right after a strong warning against gluttony and drunkenness, urging the reader (likely a young person) to be wise and to keep their heart on the right path. It contrasts the joy of a righteous father with the sorrow caused by foolish or wicked children, highlighting the deep satisfaction that comes from raising children who honor God and live wisely.
What truly makes a child 'righteous' in God's eyes? It's a deeper reality than just following rules.
This verse highlights the profound joy a parent finds in a 'righteous' child. But what does that mean? It's not simply about outward actions, though those are important. The ancient understanding points to an internal transformation – a heart aligned with God's ways, embracing His truth and living a life that reflects His character. It's about a child who is not just good, but truly right with God.
Beyond just 'good,' a wise child brings a special kind of gladness. What makes this wisdom so valuable?
The verse connects the joy of a parent directly to their child's wisdom. This isn't just about academic intelligence or cleverness. True wisdom, in the context of Proverbs, is the skill of living rightly, understanding God's perspective, and making choices that honor Him. A wise child, therefore, is one who has internalized truth and walks in understanding. This wisdom is a parent's reward, a testament to good guidance and a source of deep, lasting gladness.
Understand the original words
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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 contrasts the joy of a wise child with the sorrow caused by a foolish one, reinforcing the profound happiness a righteous child brings.
Proverbs 17:21This verse highlights the sorrow a foolish child brings to their parents, serving as a stark counterpoint to the joy described in Proverbs 23:24 and emphasizing the value of a wise son.
Luke 15:11-32The Parable of the Prodigal Son beautifully illustrates the immense joy and relief a father feels when a wayward son turns to wisdom and righteousness, mirroring the sentiment in Proverbs.
1 Corinthians 4:17Paul mentions that he has sent Timothy, his 'child' in the faith, who will remind the Corinthians of his ways, showing a spiritual father's pride and joy in a disciple who lives wisely.
jfbProverbs 23:24: "The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him."
24, 25. (Compare Pr 10:1; 17:21, 25).
pooleProverbs 23:24: "The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him."
No text from Poole on this verse.
This verse highlights that a father's deepest joy comes not from a child's worldly success, but from their genuine righteousness and wisdom. It points out that a wise son brings pleasure precisely because he is a testament to good training and character, not just earthly accomplishment.
This passage comes right after a strong warning against gluttony and drunkenness, urging the reader (likely a young person) to be wise and to keep their heart on the right path. It contrasts the joy of a righteous father with the sorrow caused by foolish or wicked children, highlighting the deep satisfaction that comes from raising children who honor God and live wisely.
This passage comes right after a strong warning against gluttony and drunkenness, urging the reader (likely a young person) to be wise and to keep their heart on the right path. It contrasts the joy of a righteous father with the sorrow caused by foolish or wicked children, highlighting the deep satisfaction that comes from raising children who honor God and live wisely.
"The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him." — This verse highlights that a father's deepest joy comes not from a child's worldly success, but from their genuine righteousness and wisdom. It points out that a wise son brings pleasure precisely be…
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Last reviewed October 2026