Proverbs 23:22

22 Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation.

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 associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food.
21 Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags
22 Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation.
23 Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense - these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell.
24 A righteous person's parents have good reason to be happy. You can take pride in a wise child.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.