Proverbs 1:8

 

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.
Proverbs 1:8 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Proverbs 1:8 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.
Proverbs 1:8 New English Translation (NET)
 
Listen, my son
The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which implies not just hearing but also obeying and internalizing what is heard. This word is foundational in Jewish tradition, as seen in the Shema prayer, which calls for attentive obedience to God's commandments. The phrase "my son" indicates a personal and intimate relationship, suggesting that the wisdom imparted is not just for the general public but is a personal legacy from parent to child. This reflects the biblical emphasis on the family as the primary unit for spiritual and moral education.
 
to your father’s instruction
The term "instruction" comes from the Hebrew "מוּסָר" (musar), which encompasses discipline, correction, and moral guidance. In ancient Israel, the father was often seen as the head of the household, responsible for the spiritual and ethical upbringing of his children. This phrase underscores the importance of paternal guidance in shaping a child's character and values. The historical context of a patriarchal society places significant weight on the father's role in imparting wisdom and ensuring the continuity of faith and tradition.
 
and do not forsake
The Hebrew word for "forsake" is "תִּטֹּשׁ" (titosh), which means to abandon or leave behind. This is a strong admonition against neglecting or disregarding the teachings received. In the biblical context, forsaking wisdom is often equated with folly and leads to destructive paths. The use of this word serves as a warning to remain steadfast and committed to the teachings that provide a foundation for righteous living.
 
your mother’s teaching
The word "teaching" is derived from the Hebrew "תּוֹרָה" (torah), which is often translated as "law" but more broadly refers to instruction or doctrine. The inclusion of the mother's role highlights the dual responsibility of both parents in the education of their children. In the ancient Near Eastern context, mothers were integral in nurturing and instructing their children in daily life and spiritual matters. This phrase affirms the value of maternal wisdom and the balanced partnership in parenting, emphasizing that both parents contribute to the holistic development of their child.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
*****************
 
Parental Guidance: The verse emphasizes the importance of listening to the wisdom and guidance provided by one's parents. In many cultures, especially in ancient Israelite society where this text originates, parents were seen as the primary educators of children, passing down knowledge, values, and moral teachings.
 
Father's Instruction: The word "instruction" here often refers to formal or structured teaching, suggesting that fathers were responsible for passing down rules, laws, or life lessons that are essential for a child's development into adulthood. This might include teachings on ethics, responsibility, and social norms.
 
Mother's Teaching: "Teaching" from the mother might be more day-to-day, practical advice or lessons learned from daily life. It could encompass wisdom about relationships, compassion, nurturing, and household management. This reflects the complementary roles of parents where both provide unique but equally important guidance.
 
Moral and Ethical Development: The verse underscores the idea that obedience to parental advice isn't just about respect or discipline but is crucial for one's moral and ethical development. The wisdom of parents is seen as a safeguard against folly and a path toward a righteous life.
 
Cultural and Religious Context: In the context of ancient Israel, this wisdom was also seen as divinely inspired or at least in alignment with God's will, making the adherence to parental advice not just a family matter but part of one's spiritual journey.
 
Universal Application: Although rooted in a specific cultural and religious context, this advice has universal appeal, advocating for respect towards elders and the importance of learning from those with experience. It speaks to the timelessness of wisdom passed down through generations.
 
This verse, therefore, serves as an introduction to the themes of Proverbs, which often contrast wisdom with folly, urging the reader to choose the path of wisdom, which includes respecting and learning from the teachings of parents.
 
*****************
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible:
 
My son, hear the instruction of thy father,.... This is not to be understood of God the Father of mankind, and of that law which he has given them, as Jarchi and Gersom interpret it, but of Solomon and his son in a literal sense; and of anyone that came to him for instruction, any pupil, hearer, or reader of his; and it is a direction to all children to hearken to the instruction of their parents, and obey their commands; so, next to the fear and worship of God, he exhorts to obedience to parents, and proceeds just in the same order and method in which the decalogue or ten commands were written; the first table respects God and his worship, and the second follows, which begins with "honour thy father and thy mother", &c. Exo_20:12, which, the apostle says, is "the first commandment with promise", Eph_6:1;
 
and forsake not the law of thy mother; meaning not the congregation of Israel, the old synagogue, or Jewish church, as Jarchi; and so in the Talmud (p) it is interpreted of the congregation of Israel, as is "thy father" in the former clause of the divine Being; nor the operative faculty of the human understanding, as Gersom; but the mother of Solomon's son; and any and every mother of a child, who having an equal or greater tenderness for her offspring, and a true and hearty regard for their welfare, will instruct them in the best manner she can, give the best rules, and prescribe the best laws she can for their good; and which ought to be as carefully attended to and obeyed as those of a father; and she is particularly mentioned, because the law of God equally enjoins reverence and obedience to both parents, which human laws among the Gentiles did not; and because children are too apt to slight the directions and instructions of a mother; whereas they carry equal authority, and have in them the nature of a law, as those of a father.
 
(p) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 102. 1.
 
*****************
 
Cross References:
 
Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”
 
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
 
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.