Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 15:20 - 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
" A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. "
Proverbs 15:20
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
This verse shows the honor of good children and the shame of wicked ones. Good children bring joy to their parents, and parents should have that joy, since they have spent so much care and effort raising them. It is a special comfort to godly people, especially in old age and in hard times, if they can see that their children have been a comfort to them.
The verse also shows the disgrace of wicked children. By their sin, they show contempt for their parents, ignore their authority, and repay kindness with harm. A foolish son despises his mother, the one who likely suffered most for him and may even have been too indulgent with him. That makes his sin worse, and it makes her grief even deeper.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:2
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly."
Proverbs 15:3
"The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good."
Proverbs 15:4
"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit."
Proverbs 15:5
"A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence."
Proverbs 15:6
"In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble."
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