Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:20, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
American Standard Version
A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
World English Bible version
A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Proverbs 15:20 Meaning & Commentary
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. – Proverbs 15:20 (ESV)
Throughout Proverbs, we see wisdom referenced often. Wisdom is one of the master keys which ‘unlocks’ success in our lives. Any respectable father (or parent) desires their child to succeed. This verse in Proverbs 15:20 says that a wise son makes a glad father. In other words, when a father sees his son walking in wisdom, he takes great delight, and his heart is filled with joy!
This verse also tells us that wisdom can be recognized and seen; otherwise, how would the father know that his son is wise? Watching a child grow up and make poor choices in life must be one of the most painful things for a parent to see and go through – especially considering that parents are older, wiser, and have lived through more in life. Parents have lived through life more than their kids and therefore have been through their own ‘school of hard knocks.’ The last thing that parents want is to see their children make the same mistakes and bad choices that they made.
The second part of Proverbs 15:20 says that a foolish person despises his mother. To despise someone means to treat them with disdain and to look down on them. Just as with a father, a mother desires nothing more than to see her children succeed and wants to see her children avoid the same mistakes she may have made. A wise son will incline his ear to what his father and mother say.
However, a foolish son (or daughter) will refuse to heed the wisdom and counsel of his parents – bringing harm to himself and heartache to his parents. Just as a wise son brings gladness to his parents, so too a foolish son brings grief: Proverbs 10:1 – A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:20 to our lives?
Most of us have a mother or father who is still present in our lives – if not both. They carry a wealth of ‘life experience’ we can tap into and learn from. By walking in wisdom, we can avoid many of life’s pitfalls. Wisdom can come directly from God – however, it can also come from others we rub shoulders with: Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Who better to receive wisdom from than our own parents? Only foolish people will despise their own mother and father – not only because they are their mother and father, but because listening to them can save us pain and heartache in life by learning from them.
As sons and daughters, it is a natural desire to want to please our parents in life. One of the best ways to do this and bring joy and gladness to our parents is to make wise choices in life. This principle extends further than our parents, though. Wherever and whenever we encounter wise people, and even those who are older than us, we should absorb whatever good we can from them like a sponge.
How do we know who has wisdom or whom we can learn from? Simply put, whoever has attained success in a specific field is someone we can learn from. Perhaps there are people in our life who are not even believers but are highly successful in certain areas we can learn from. When we look at people’s lives, we find ‘clues’ to their success. Of course, God has given us the ultimate ‘tools’ to be successful – His Word and His Holy Spirit. The Bible also tells us to ask for wisdom whenever we need it, as God is faithful and will surely answer us. As we apply His Word in our lives and walk in wisdom, we will be successful in this life!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet. I desire to be pleasing to You and to my parents on earth. I ask today for wisdom and thank You that You hear me and will answer me.
Help me recognize those you have placed in my life who can impart wisdom to me and help me find success. Give me the strength to live for You every day of my life. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
