Proverbs 15:20 Meaning and Explanation
“A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A wise son brings joy to his father; a fool shows contempt for his mother.
The Context of Proverbs 15:20
How children treat parents reflects and reinforces either wisdom or foolishness.
What Does Proverbs 15:20 Mean?
Wisdom in a son produces gladness in his father—joy and satisfaction in seeing him mature rightly. A foolish man's contempt for his mother is not merely rudeness but a breach of the most fundamental relationship. The fool's actions harm the parent most vulnerable to that harm.
This verse echoes the honor due to parents as foundational. Wisdom expresses itself in respect and care for those who gave life. Foolishness shows itself in contempt toward mother, a rejection of the source of one's being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 15:20
What does Proverbs 15:20 mean?
A wise son brings joy to his father; a fool shows contempt for his mother.
What is the context of Proverbs 15:20?
How children treat parents reflects and reinforces either wisdom or foolishness.