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True Riches
…24The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. 25May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice! 26My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.…

Cross References

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.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.”Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.Proverbs 15:20
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.Proverbs 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father.Proverbs 29:3
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.Matthew 15:4
For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’Luke 2:51-52
Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. / And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.Proverbs 1:8-9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. / For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.Proverbs 6:20-22
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. / Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. / When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.Proverbs 19:26
He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.Proverbs 30:17
As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.

Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

1 Chronicles 4:9,10
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow…

Luke 1:31-33,40-47,58
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS…

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Proverbs 23

May your father and mother be glad
This phrase emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents, a theme deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The joy of parents is often linked to the righteous and wise behavior of their children, as seen in Proverbs 10:1, "A wise son brings joy to his father." In ancient Israelite culture, family honor was paramount, and children were expected to uphold the family's reputation through their actions. The joy of parents is not merely emotional but also reflects societal and spiritual well-being, as a child's wisdom and righteousness are seen as blessings from God.

and may she who gave you birth rejoice!
The specific mention of the mother highlights the special bond and the significant role mothers play in the upbringing of their children. In biblical times, mothers were primarily responsible for the early education and moral instruction of their children, as seen in Proverbs 1:8, "Do not forsake your mother's teaching." The rejoicing of a mother is a testament to the fulfillment of her hopes and prayers for her child's future. This phrase also echoes the biblical theme of the joy of childbirth and the fulfillment of God's promises, reminiscent of Sarah's joy in Genesis 21:6 when she bore Isaac. The rejoicing of a mother is a reflection of the blessings and favor of God upon the family.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Father and Mother
The primary figures in a family unit, representing parental authority and the source of wisdom and guidance in a child's life.

2. She who gave you birth
Specifically refers to the mother, emphasizing the unique bond and joy a mother experiences through her children.

3. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as a king of Israel.

4. Israel
The cultural and religious context in which these proverbs were written, emphasizing family values and the importance of wisdom.

5. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, focusing on practical living and moral conduct.

Teaching Points

The Joy of Righteous Living
A life lived in wisdom and righteousness brings joy to one's parents. This joy is a reflection of a life aligned with God's principles.

The Role of Parents
Parents are instrumental in guiding their children towards wisdom. Their joy is a testament to their successful nurturing and teaching.

The Importance of Honor
Honoring parents is a biblical mandate that brings blessings. It is a practical expression of love and respect.

Legacy of Faith
Children who live wisely contribute to a legacy of faith and righteousness, impacting future generations.

Emotional and Spiritual Fulfillment
The joy of parents is not just emotional but also spiritual, as it reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and commands.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:25?2. How can you bring joy to your parents as Proverbs 23:25 suggests? 3. What actions demonstrate wisdom and righteousness in Proverbs 23:25's context? 4. How does Proverbs 23:25 connect with the Fifth Commandment about honoring parents? 5. In what ways can Proverbs 23:25 guide your daily family interactions? 6. How can you apply the principles of Proverbs 23:25 in your spiritual growth?7. How does Proverbs 23:25 emphasize the importance of honoring one's parents in Christian teachings? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 23:25? 9. How does Proverbs 23:25 relate to the broader theme of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23?11. What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?12. Does the call to heed a father's instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance?13. Proverbs 25:23 - Is the claim that a north wind brings rain in ancient Israel scientifically accurate or an example of outdated meteorological belief?14. What does the Bible say about rebellious children?

What Does Proverbs 23:25 Mean

May your father and mother be glad

- The proverb speaks directly to grown children, urging lives that bring delight to their parents. It assumes a household where wisdom is passed down and now bears fruit.

- Scripture consistently links a child’s conduct with parental joy. “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother” (Proverbs 10:1). Living wisely is thus more than personal success; it is a gift back to those who raised us.

- Honor is not abstract. It shows up in choices—moral purity, diligence, kindness, reverence for God. When Paul restates the fifth commandment—“Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2)—he adds the promise “that it may go well with you,” echoing the relational blessing highlighted here.

- Glad parents testify that godly training was not wasted (Proverbs 22:6). Their gladness becomes a public witness to God’s faithfulness from one generation to the next.

and may she who gave you birth rejoice!

- The focus narrows to the mother, underscoring the cost of childbirth and nurturing. Her joy is portrayed as the climax of parental satisfaction.

- The verse values motherhood itself. Isaiah 66:13 compares God’s comfort to a mother’s, revealing the tenderness Scripture assigns to a mother’s role.

- A mother rejoices most when her children walk in truth. John writes, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4). The proverb places that same joy on the lips of every godly mother.

- By specifying “she who gave you birth,” the text reminds adults of permanent indebtedness. No stage of life dissolves the call to live in a way that blesses our mothers (Proverbs 31:28–29). Her lifelong labor deserves lifelong gratitude.

summary

Proverbs 23:25 calls sons and daughters to live wisely so their parents overflow with gladness. A father’s delight and a mother’s rejoicing are presented as rightful outcomes of children who fear the LORD, confirming God’s design for family: wisdom learned, lived, and celebrated from one generation to the next.

Verse 25. - Shall be glad; or, let them be glad; gaudeat, Vulgate; εὐφραινέσθω, Septuagint. She that bare thee. As in ver. 24 the father's joy was expressly mentioned, so here prominence is given to that of the mother. In the former case it is "he that begetteth;" here, "she that beareth." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

May your father
אָבִ֥יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and mother
וְאִמֶּ֑ךָ (wə·’im·me·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

be glad,
יִֽשְׂמַח־ (yiś·maḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

and may she who gave you birth
יֽוֹלַדְתֶּֽךָ׃ (yō·w·laḏ·te·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

rejoice!
וְ֝תָגֵ֗ל (wə·ṯā·ḡêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1523: To spin round, rejoice, fear

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Proverbs 23:25 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 23:25 Let your father and your mother be (Prov. Pro Pr)