Proverbs 23:22

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life; don't despise your elderly mother.

Proverbs 23:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:22

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee
And who has a true and hearty affection for thee, and whatever he says is for thy good and welfare, which he studies and has at heart; and who therefore also has an authority over thee, and what he enjoins ought to be strictly regarded; and, having lived longer in the world, must be thought to have a larger experience and knowledge of things, and therefore should be hearkened unto; and despise not thy mother when she is old;
despise not her counsels, instructions, and advice, though she is old; and because she is so, do not reject them as old wives' fables, or as the silly talk of an old woman, as young men are too apt to do.

Proverbs 23:22 In-Context

20 Don't hang out with those who get drunk on wine or those who eat too much meat,
21 because drunks and gluttons will be impoverished; their stupor will clothe them in rags.
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life; don't despise your elderly mother.
23 Buy truth and don't sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous will be very happy; the one who gives life to the wise will rejoice.
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