What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:1?

The proverbs of Solomon

• This opening phrase reminds us that what follows comes from the pen of King Solomon, the man God endowed with exceptional wisdom (1 Kings 4:32).

• Because “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), these sayings carry divine authority, not merely human advice.

• The statement also signals a shift in the book: chapters 1–9 were longer father-to-son discourses; beginning in chapter 10, each short proverb stands as a self-contained nugget of truth.

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A wise son brings joy to his father

• Wisdom in Proverbs is practical godliness—living according to God’s revealed ways (Proverbs 9:10).

• A son who chooses that path becomes a delight to his dad. Proverbs 23:24 celebrates the same idea: “The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice.”

• Notice the verb “brings.” Joy isn’t automatic; it’s produced by intentional, obedient choices (Ephesians 6:1-3).

• Jesus modeled this as a youth: He “was obedient” to Mary and Joseph, and “grew in wisdom” (Luke 2:51-52), bringing pleasure to His heavenly Father as well (Matthew 3:17).

• For parents, a child’s wise conduct is better than any earthly success; it validates years of instruction and prayer.

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but a foolish son grief to his mother

• The contrast is sharp. “Foolish” in Proverbs points to moral rebellion, not mere lack of intelligence (Proverbs 1:7).

• Mothers, often the closer, nurturing presence, feel this folly most keenly. Genesis 26:34-35 shows Esau’s ungodly marriages that “brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.”

• Proverbs 17:25 echoes the pain: “A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.”

• Such sorrow is deep and ongoing. Unlike temporary disappointments, a child’s persistent rebellion pierces a parent’s heart day after day.

• The warning is clear: choices made by children reverberate through the family, either refreshing or wounding those who love them most.

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summary

Proverbs 10:1 introduces Solomon’s collection of concise, Spirit-inspired truths. It spotlights the profound impact children have on their parents: wise, godly choices fill a father with joy, while foolish rebellion drenches a mother in grief. The verse calls every reader to value and pursue wisdom, knowing that obedience to God not only honors Him but also blesses the family.