Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:20
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text is part of the collected proverbs addressing a son or general reader, positioned between the observation that a slacker's path is blocked by thorns and the warning that folly delights the mindless.
The words — חָ֭כָם (Cha.khom) means wise and בּוֹזֶ֥ה (bo.Zeh) means despising, establishing the direct contrast between honoring and rejecting parental authority.
The thread — This contrast runs through Proverbs 10:1, 23:15, and 29:3, which repeatedly link a son's wisdom or folly to the emotional and material state of his parents.
Why it lands — The text states that a wise son brings joy to his father while a foolish man despises his mother. It requires the reader to actively pursue discernment that honors family structure rather than dismissing it through reckless conduct.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 29:3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
- Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
- Proverbs 23:15 My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.
- Leviticus 19:3 Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.
- 1 Kings 1:48 saying, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel! Today He has provided one to sit on my throne, and my eyes have seen it.’”
- 1 Kings 5:7 When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”
- Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
- Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
- 1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”
- Proverbs 30:17 As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.