A life guided by godly wisdom uplifts those around us.
When Proverbs 10:1 says “The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.” (v.1), it opens a new section highlighting the insightful sayings of Solomon. Solomon, an important figure in Israel’s history, reigned as king from about 971 BC to 931 BC and was known for his extraordinary wisdom granted by God (1 Kings 3:12). By beginning this chapter with his name, Scripture emphasizes the credibility of these wise sayings, underscoring that they are meant to instruct people in how to live a life pleasing to the Lord. The verse itself stresses the reality that our choices have direct consequences on those who nurture and raise us.
The proverb contrasts two paths: wisdom and folly. When the verse states “A wise son makes a father glad” (v.1), it paints a picture of peace and joy within the family. This joy is not limited to material success; it includes growing in moral insight and a reverent fear of God, which can also be seen in the overarching message of the New Testament, where Jesus affirms that godly wisdom builds a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). Conversely, “a foolish son is a grief to his mother” (v.1) tells us that foolish actions—those lived outside God’s righteous standards—bring heartbreak and sorrow. The contrast reminds us to be ever mindful of the impact our behavior has on loved ones.
Such a straightforward contrast between wisdom and folly resonates throughout Scripture. In Proverbs, wisdom is a practical outworking of following the Lord, while folly is the disregard of that guidance. In Jesus’ teachings, we see a similar call to honor the values of the kingdom by seeking God’s righteousness first (Matthew 6:33), thereby bringing delight rather than grief to our families and to the heart of God.
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Proverbs 10:1 meaning
When Proverbs 10:1 says “The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.” (v.1), it opens a new section highlighting the insightful sayings of Solomon. Solomon, an important figure in Israel’s history, reigned as king from about 971 BC to 931 BC and was known for his extraordinary wisdom granted by God (1 Kings 3:12). By beginning this chapter with his name, Scripture emphasizes the credibility of these wise sayings, underscoring that they are meant to instruct people in how to live a life pleasing to the Lord. The verse itself stresses the reality that our choices have direct consequences on those who nurture and raise us.
The proverb contrasts two paths: wisdom and folly. When the verse states “A wise son makes a father glad” (v.1), it paints a picture of peace and joy within the family. This joy is not limited to material success; it includes growing in moral insight and a reverent fear of God, which can also be seen in the overarching message of the New Testament, where Jesus affirms that godly wisdom builds a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). Conversely, “a foolish son is a grief to his mother” (v.1) tells us that foolish actions—those lived outside God’s righteous standards—bring heartbreak and sorrow. The contrast reminds us to be ever mindful of the impact our behavior has on loved ones.
Such a straightforward contrast between wisdom and folly resonates throughout Scripture. In Proverbs, wisdom is a practical outworking of following the Lord, while folly is the disregard of that guidance. In Jesus’ teachings, we see a similar call to honor the values of the kingdom by seeking God’s righteousness first (Matthew 6:33), thereby bringing delight rather than grief to our families and to the heart of God.