Proverbs 23:22

22 Hearken to thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is 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 Be not among wine-bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags

22 Hearken to thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him.