The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to see "keeping the law" as just following rules, but here it means embracing wisdom and instruction, not just the big commandments, but also a father's guidance. The verse highlights that true wisdom isn't just about personal conduct; it’s about how our choices bring honor or shame to those who love and raised us.
The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage appears in the midst of Proverbs' wisdom teachings, contrasting two paths a son can take. It follows warnings against the wicked and immediately precedes verses about the poor and the rich, highlighting different societal interactions. The core of this verse is the stark comparison between a son who wisely follows instruction and one who associates with those given to excess, bringing shame upon his family name.
When Proverbs talks about 'keeping the law,' what does that really mean? It's not just about following a checklist.
The Hebrew word for 'law' here, torah, is rich with meaning. It encompasses God's commandments, but it also implies instruction, guidance, and even God's will for our lives.
More Than Just Rules
A son who 'keeps the law' is someone who internalizes this wisdom and lives it out, bringing honor and joy.
Hanging out with the wrong crowd can have consequences far beyond a bad reputation. This verse spells out the deep impact.
The second half of the verse paints a stark picture: 'a companion of gluttons shames his father.' This isn't just about minor mischief; it speaks to a profound disconnect from wisdom and honor.
The Shame of Wastefulness
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Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
Specifically referring to the Torah, the revealed instruction or law of God which provides the standard for holy living, wisdom, and obedience.
sekel · Hebrew Noun
Intellect or prudence; the spiritual capacity to discern between good and evil, reflecting the wisdom required to act in accordance with God's will.
zolel · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks self-control or is intemperate, often associated with moral looseness, wastefulness, or disregard for godly discipline.
kalam · Hebrew Verb
The act of treating someone with dishonor or disgrace; it implies the pain or damage caused to another's reputation or heart through foolish or sinful conduct.
This passage directly parallels the contrast in Proverbs 28:7, showing how a wise son brings joy to his father while a foolish son brings grief.
Proverbs 23:20-21This proverb warns against being among 'drunkards and gluttons,' directly connecting to the 'companion of gluttons' mentioned in Proverbs 28:7, highlighting the negative consequences of such associations.
Luke 15:11-32The parable of the Prodigal Son vividly illustrates the shame and grief a wayward son brings to his father through his destructive lifestyle, mirroring the core message of Proverbs 28:7.
Ephesians 5:18This New Testament passage contrasts being 'drunk with wine' (a form of riotous living) with being 'filled with the Spirit,' offering a spiritual perspective on the choice between destructive indulgence and wise living that Proverbs 28:7 addresses.
pulpitProverbs 28:7: "Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father."
Verse 7. - Whoso keepeth the Law is a wise son. "Law" is torah, as ver. 4; but it seems here to include not only the Decalogue, but also the father's instruction and commands. Such an obedient and prudent son brings honour and joy to a parent's heart (see Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 29:3). He that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father; literally, he that feedeth, hath fello…
gillProverbs 28:7: "Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father."
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son,.... That observes the law of God; for, though he cannot perfectly keep it, yet he delights in it after the inward man; and with his spirit serves it, from a principle of love, in faith, and with a view to the glory of God, without mercenary and sinister ends. Such a man enjoys peace, and has a reward "in" though not "for" keeping the commands o…
It’s easy to see "keeping the law" as just following rules, but here it means embracing wisdom and instruction, not just the big commandments, but also a father's guidance. The verse highlights that true wisdom isn't just about personal conduct; it’s about how our choices bring honor or shame to those who love and raised us.
This passage appears in the midst of Proverbs' wisdom teachings, contrasting two paths a son can take. It follows warnings against the wicked and immediately precedes verses about the poor and the rich, highlighting different societal interactions. The core of this verse is the stark comparison between a son who wisely follows instruction and one who associates with those given to excess, bringing shame upon his family name.
This passage appears in the midst of Proverbs' wisdom teachings, contrasting two paths a son can take. It follows warnings against the wicked and immediately precedes verses about the poor and the rich, highlighting different societal interactions. The core of this verse is the stark comparison between a son who wisely follows instruction and one who associates with those given to excess, bringing shame upon his family name.
"The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father." — It’s easy to see "keeping the law" as just following rules, but here it means embracing wisdom and instruction, not just the big commandments, but also a father's guidance. The verse highlights that…
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Last reviewed October 2026