Proverbs 28:7

7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but ¹a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Proverbs 28:7 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:7

Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son
That observes the law of God; for, though he cannot perfectly keep it, yet he delights in it after the inward man; and with his spirit serves it, from a principle of love, in faith, and with a view to the glory of God, without mercenary and sinister ends. Such a man enjoys peace, and has a reward "in" though not "for" keeping the commands of it; so that it is his wisdom to observe it; and he may be truly called a wise man, ( Deuteronomy 4:6 ) ; Or that observes the law or commandments of his parents, which they enjoin him; see ( Proverbs 6:20 Proverbs 6:21 ) ; and particularly the law of God, which requires honour and obedience to be given to parents, and which turns to the account of children; it is well with them, and their days are prolonged on earth, and therefore they are wise that keep it, ( Ephesians 6:1-3 ) ; and such a wise son makes a glad father, as the contrary brings shame to him, as in the next clause; but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father:
that keeps company with gluttons, and indulges his sensual appetite with them; that "feeds" ^F4 such persons and himself, as some render the word; that gives up himself to an epicurean life: he brings himself at last to disgrace and poverty, and so causes shame to his father; who will be charged with neglecting his education, and indulging him in such a luxurious way of living; see ( Proverbs 10:5 ) ( 29:15 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 (her) "qui pascit", V. L. Pagninus, Piscator, Gejerus, Schultens; "pascitar", Michaelis; "pascens", Montanus.

Proverbs 28:7 In-Context

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Cross References

• 1. [Proverbs 23:20; Proverbs 29:3]