These Proverbs say, “A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.”
Both Proverbs contrast a foolish and a wise person. The first Proverb speaks of a son who makes his father glad because of his wisdom in the choices he makes for his life. Such a son makes choices that are grounded in the good guidance he received from his mother and father.
In ancient Israel a mother had great influence over her son. A mother who believed in God was more likely to give her son wise counsel and guidance. This wise counsel would likely have a positive influence on her son and help him to make good decisions as an adult. However, some children would reject their mother’s good counsel and guidance. Such children would later make very foolish decisions as adults.
The second Proverb articulates a characteristic of a person who rejects wise counsel and lives foolishly. They are given over to their natural and sinful desires and seek momentary pleasures. They live in the moment and do not look to the future. Such people lack sense because they do not perceive the inevitable destruction that awaits them.
Whereas, a person of understanding perceives the consequences of choices they make. Such a person looks beyond the momentary physical pleasures of sin and sees the consequences for such choices. This person will therefore make good choices. They will walk a straight path without sinful diversions. Their path will lead them to Heaven.
