Proverbs 13:1 - Exposition

A wise son heareth his father's instruction. The Authorized Version introduces the verb from the second member. The Hebrew is elliptical, "A wise son, his father's discipline," i.e. is the object or the result of his father's education; he owes his wisdom to it. Septuagint, "A clever ( πανοῦργος ) son is obedient to his father." But a scorner ( Proverbs 1:22 ) heareth not rebuke; one who mocks at goodness and despises filial piety will not listen to reproof. Septuagint, "A disobedient son is in destruction." Compare the case of Eli's sons, and their fate ( 1 Samuel 2:25 ; 1 Samuel 4:17 ).