Proverbs 23:22

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life; and don't despise your mother when she gets old.

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 be one of those who guzzle wine or of those who eat meat to excess,
21 for both drunkard and glutton will become poor -drowsiness will clothe them with rags
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life; and don't despise your mother when she gets old.
23 Buy the truth, don't sell it, also wisdom, discipline and discernment.
24 A righteous person's father will be filled with joy; yes, he whose son is wise will rejoice in him.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.