This verse underscores that dishonoring one’s parents is a profound moral failure.
King Solomon, who reigned as king of Israel from around 970 BC to 931 BC, authored many of the sayings in the Book of Proverbs. In this verse, Solomon points out the damaging consequences of dishonoring parents. He teaches, “He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son” (Proverbs 19:26). This strong language underscores both the seriousness of disrespecting one’s father and mother and the heartbreak it carries for families and communities alike. The pain and sorrow resulting from such abusive behavior reflect a deep disregard for the parents’ love and care. In ancient Israel, where close-knit family ties were vital for survival and cultural continuity, failing in one’s responsibility to honor father and mother was viewed as a betrayal.
When we read that “he…assaults his father” (Proverbs 19:26), we can see a complete breakdown of the parent-child relationship, where the child’s role has been inverted from recipient of care to perpetrator of harm. Likewise, “drives his mother away” (Proverbs 19:26) describes a child who rejects the gentle nurturing that mothers traditionally provided. Solomon’s emphasis on the shame such a son brings upon himself highlights that this behavior is not just harmful to the parents; it casts personal dishonor on the child who commits these acts. Throughout Scripture, honoring parents is strongly tied to a life of blessing (Ephesians 6:1-3), linking obedience to God’s design for family relationships.
By stressing that such a person is both “shameful and disgraceful” (Proverbs 19:26), the verse depicts a severe moral failing. This principle points forward to the New Testament ethic of showing respect and love even to those who have wronged us (1 Peter 3:8-9). Jesus Himself urged followers to uphold a standard of love that fosters unity rather than division. Here, Solomon’s wisdom reminds us that mistreating parents or breaking ties with them violates God’s intent for families to be nurturing, life-giving units.
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Proverbs 19:26 meaning
King Solomon, who reigned as king of Israel from around 970 BC to 931 BC, authored many of the sayings in the Book of Proverbs. In this verse, Solomon points out the damaging consequences of dishonoring parents. He teaches, “He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son” (Proverbs 19:26). This strong language underscores both the seriousness of disrespecting one’s father and mother and the heartbreak it carries for families and communities alike. The pain and sorrow resulting from such abusive behavior reflect a deep disregard for the parents’ love and care. In ancient Israel, where close-knit family ties were vital for survival and cultural continuity, failing in one’s responsibility to honor father and mother was viewed as a betrayal.
When we read that “he…assaults his father” (Proverbs 19:26), we can see a complete breakdown of the parent-child relationship, where the child’s role has been inverted from recipient of care to perpetrator of harm. Likewise, “drives his mother away” (Proverbs 19:26) describes a child who rejects the gentle nurturing that mothers traditionally provided. Solomon’s emphasis on the shame such a son brings upon himself highlights that this behavior is not just harmful to the parents; it casts personal dishonor on the child who commits these acts. Throughout Scripture, honoring parents is strongly tied to a life of blessing (Ephesians 6:1-3), linking obedience to God’s design for family relationships.
By stressing that such a person is both “shameful and disgraceful” (Proverbs 19:26), the verse depicts a severe moral failing. This principle points forward to the New Testament ethic of showing respect and love even to those who have wronged us (1 Peter 3:8-9). Jesus Himself urged followers to uphold a standard of love that fosters unity rather than division. Here, Solomon’s wisdom reminds us that mistreating parents or breaking ties with them violates God’s intent for families to be nurturing, life-giving units.