Proverbs 1:8 Meaning and Explanation
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Heed the instruction of both parents; do not abandon their teaching.
The Context of Proverbs 1:8
The instruction shifts to direct address, calling the reader to honor parental teaching.
What Does Proverbs 1:8 Mean?
The instruction of father and mother carries equal weight. Both parents contribute to the formation of a son's character—the father's guidance and the mother's nurturing and instruction. To hear them is to take their teaching seriously and allow it to shape one's choices.
Forsaking their law means abandoning the moral and practical framework they have built. This instruction was given in love and wisdom gathered from their own experience. Rejecting it recklessly is a form of foolishness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 1:8
What does Proverbs 1:8 mean?
Heed the instruction of both parents; do not abandon their teaching.
What is the context of Proverbs 1:8?
The instruction shifts to direct address, calling the reader to honor parental teaching.