My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While we often think of parental instruction as a single unit, this verse highlights the distinct, yet equally vital, roles of father and mother. It calls us not just to obey a father's specific commands but to cherish a mother's "teaching," implying a gentler, more foundational kind of wisdom that shapes our very understanding.
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a longer discourse strongly warning against adultery and sexual immorality. The verses immediately preceding this likely dealt with the severe consequences of such sins, and here the teacher emphasizes the foundational role of parental instruction as a safeguard. This foundational teaching from parents is presented as a vital guide to navigate the dangers ahead, particularly those related to sexual temptation.
Who teaches you? The Bible often points to parents as the first, most crucial guides in life. But why specifically mention both father and mother?
This verse highlights the foundational role of parents in transmitting wisdom and moral instruction.
Unified Authority
It's significant that both the "father's commandment" and the "mother's law" are presented as equally vital. This isn't just about respecting elders; it's about recognizing the distinct yet complementary roles parents play in shaping a child's character and understanding of right and wrong.
Unwavering Adherence
The instruction is to "keep" the father's command and "not forsake" the mother's teaching. This implies an active, continuous commitment, not just a passive reception of advice. These teachings are meant to be woven into the fabric of one's life.
Think about the best advice you've ever received. Chances are, it came from someone who knew you well and cared deeply. That's the essence of what's being described here.
Proverbs 6:20 isn't just about abstract principles; it points to the practical, life-shaping power of parental guidance.
Illumination and Direction
The teachings of parents, when followed, act like a "lamp" and "lead" the way. This means they illuminate the path ahead, helping you navigate difficult decisions and avoid hidden dangers. They provide a moral compass for life's journey.
Ask a follow-up
Safeguarding Life
These instructions are described as leading to "life." This encompasses not only prolonging physical life by avoiding destructive behaviors but also leading to a more flourishing, meaningful existence, and ultimately, eternal life when aligned with God's broader commands.
Understand the original words
mitswah · Hebrew Noun
A divinely inspired instruction or authoritative rule for living. It reflects the wisdom passed down from those in authority, reflecting God's own guidance.
torah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the instruction, law, or wisdom imparted by parents to children. It is essential for the transmission of godly values and character from one generation to the next.
This passage emphasizes the deep and constant instruction of God's word within the family, echoing the idea of parents' teachings being a foundational part of a child's life.
Proverbs 1:8This verse directly links hearing a father's instruction and not forsaking a mother's teaching, highlighting the continuity of this theme of parental guidance throughout Proverbs.
Proverbs 23:22This verse encourages listening to one's father and mother, reinforcing the value and importance of their teachings for the life and wisdom of their children.
Ephesians 6:1-3This New Testament passage speaks directly to children, commanding them to obey their parents in the Lord, showing the enduring principle of respecting parental authority and instruction.
bensonProverbs 6:20: "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:"
Proverbs 6:20-23 . Keep thy father’s commandment — So far as it is not contrary to God’s command. And forsake not the law of thy mother — Which children are too apt to despise. Bind them continually upon thy heart — Constantly remember and duly consider them; tie them about thy neck — See on Proverbs 1:9 ; Proverbs 3:3 . When thou goest, it shall lead thee — Namely, the law of God, which thy parents h…
clarkeProverbs 6:20: "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:"
Keep thy father's commandment - See on Proverbs 1:8 (note).
While we often think of parental instruction as a single unit, this verse highlights the distinct, yet equally vital, roles of father and mother. It calls us not just to obey a father's specific commands but to cherish a mother's "teaching," implying a gentler, more foundational kind of wisdom that shapes our very understanding.
This passage is part of a longer discourse strongly warning against adultery and sexual immorality. The verses immediately preceding this likely dealt with the severe consequences of such sins, and here the teacher emphasizes the foundational role of parental instruction as a safeguard. This foundational teaching from parents is presented as a vital guide to navigate the dangers ahead, particularly those related to sexual temptation.
This passage is part of a longer discourse strongly warning against adultery and sexual immorality. The verses immediately preceding this likely dealt with the severe consequences of such sins, and here the teacher emphasizes the foundational role of parental instruction as a safeguard. This foundational teaching from parents is presented as a vital guide to navigate the dangers ahead, particularly those related to sexual temptation.
"My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching." — While we often think of parental instruction as a single unit, this verse highlights the distinct, yet equally vital, roles of father and mother. It calls us not just to obey a father's specific comm…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026