Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 10:1 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. "
Proverbs 10:1
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
Solomon speaks here as a teacher speaking to children. He shows how much the comfort of parents, natural parents, rulers, and church leaders depends on the good behavior of those under their care. This gives a reason why parents should work hard to give their children a good education and train them in religion. If that training has the right effect, parents will enjoy the fruit of it. If it does not, they still have this comfort in sorrow, that they did their duty and made a real effort.
It also gives a reason why children should live wisely and well, and follow the good teaching they have received. By doing so, they bring joy to their parents and do not grieve them. Pious and sensible young people should see that their good life helps repay their parents for the care and trouble they have taken. It also brings comfort to parents in old age, when they need it most.
Parents should be glad when their children grow in wisdom and goodness, even if the children rise so high that they seem to outshine them. On the other hand, children who behave badly add to their own guilt because they grieve the very people they should be honoring. This is especially painful to poor mothers, who bore them in sorrow and then see with even greater sorrow that their children have become wicked and vile.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 10:2
"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death."
Proverbs 10:3
"The LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked."
Proverbs 10:4
"He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth."
Proverbs 10:5
"He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame."
Proverbs 10:6
"Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked."
Proverbs 10:7
"The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot."
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