Proverbs 28:7
Proverbs 28:7 in Multiple Translations
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company you shame your father.
He that keepeth the Law, is a childe of vnderstanding: but hee that feedeth the gluttons, shameth his father.
Whoso is keeping the law is an intelligent son, And a friend of gluttons, Doth cause his father to blush.
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
He who keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
He that keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that feedeth gluttons, shameth his father.
Young people who obey the laws are wise [IDM]; parents whose children associate with those who ◄carouse/go to wild parties► are humiliated/disgraced because of what their children do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נוֹצֵ֣ר
תּ֭וֹרָה
בֵּ֣ן
מֵבִ֑ין
וְ/רֹעֶה
זֽ֝וֹלְלִ֗ים
יַכְלִ֥ים
אָבִֽי/ו
נוֹצֵ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal
תּ֭וֹרָה
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
בֵּ֣ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
מֵבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil
וְ/רֹעֶה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Conj | V-Qal
זֽ֝וֹלְלִ֗ים
zâlal
H2151
to shake
V-Qal
יַכְלִ֥ים
kâlam
H3637
be humiliated
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אָבִֽי/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:7
נוֹצֵ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
תּ֭וֹרָה
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
בֵּ֣ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מֵבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וְ/רֹעֶה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
זֽ֝וֹלְלִ֗ים
zâlal
H2151
"to shake"
V-Qal
Zalal means to be vile or worthless, describing someone who is morally loose or reckless, as seen in Proverbs 28:2 where a riotous eater is described as vile.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to shake, tremble, quake 1a) (Niphal) to shake, quake
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: blow down, glutton, riotous (eater), vile. See also: Deuteronomy 21:20; Isaiah 63:19; Proverbs 23:20.
יַכְלִ֥ים
kâlam
H3637
"be humiliated"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.
Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.
אָבִֽי/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:7
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. 9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 4:3–4 | For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:3 | A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:1–35 | My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew. My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare. Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you. Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways; for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright. The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame. |
| 4 | Proverbs 23:19–22 | Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:26 | He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. |
| 6 | Luke 15:13 | After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:24 | He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys. |
| 8 | Proverbs 29:15 | A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
| 9 | Proverbs 2:1–6 | My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| 10 | Luke 15:30 | But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ |
Proverbs 28:7 Summary
[Proverbs 28:7 teaches us that being wise and discerning is important for living a good life, and that keeping God's laws is a key part of this, as seen in Psalm 119:1-2. When we choose to follow God's ways, we bring honor to our families and to Him. On the other hand, if we surround ourselves with people who love to indulge in excessive behaviors, it can bring shame to those we love, and separate us from God's best for our lives, as warned in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a discerning son in Proverbs 28:7?
A discerning son is one who has wisdom and understanding, and applies it to his life by keeping the law, as seen in Proverbs 28:7, and this is in line with the teachings of Proverbs 1:7, which says that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.
How does keeping company with gluttons impact a person's life?
Keeping company with gluttons can lead to a person disgracing their father, as stated in Proverbs 28:7, and this can also lead to a life of sin and rebellion against God, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33.
What is the significance of keeping the law in Proverbs 28:7?
Keeping the law in Proverbs 28:7 refers to obeying God's commands and living a life of righteousness, which is in line with the teachings of Psalm 119:1-2, which says that blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
How can a person avoid being a companion of gluttons?
A person can avoid being a companion of gluttons by choosing wise and godly friends, as advised in Proverbs 12:26, and by being mindful of the company they keep, as warned in 1 Corinthians 5:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the wisdom of Proverbs 28:7 to my own life and relationships?
- How can I balance the desire to have fun and enjoy good food with the need to avoid gluttony and excess?
- What are some practical steps I can take to choose wise and godly friends, and to avoid the influence of those who might lead me astray?
- In what ways can I honor my parents and bring them joy, rather than disgracing them through my actions?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:7
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:7
Is a wise son; and consequently a credit and comfort to his father, as hath been oft noted before. Is a companion of riotous men; which is both a manifest violation of God’ s law, which forbids this society, and is the ready way to a total and final apostacy from God, and from his law. Shameth his father, because he is a foolish son.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:7
Proverbs 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father.Ver. 7. He that keepeth the law is a wise son.] It is neither good nature, nor good nurture or breeding, that can prove a man to be truly wise, but obedience to God’ s statutes. Aiphonsus, king of Spain, surnamed the Wise, was a rank fool and an arrant atheist; so are all the world’ s wizards. But he that is a companion to riotous men.] Or, That feedeth gluttons, whose belly hath no bottom. ‘ Ingluvies et tempestas, barathrumque macelli.’ They say the locust is all belly, which is joined to his mouth, and endeth at his tail: such are riotous belly gods. To feed such is to cast away all, and bring an indelible infamy upon the family.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:7
7. riotous] Rather, gluttonous. See Proverbs 23:20, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:7
7. Keepeth the law — Is moral in deportment and character. Comp. Mark 10:19; Mark 10:21. Wise son — Discreet, intelligent, he also imparts instruction by his example.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When Victory Is Impossible by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching in New Zealand and meeting a family named Lois and Barry Jordan. He emphasizes the importance of feeding our minds w |
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Preparing for Persecution by Don Currin | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of Christ in the midst of suffering. He shares a story from Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love, about South Koreans who went to min |
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(Depressed Disciples) the Manifold Testings by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the same mindset as Christ and enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He highlights the contrast between th |
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Opposition to the Gospel by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a couple named Jack and Charlotte who initially did not know the Lord. After persistent visits from Christians, Jack eventually ac |
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Are We Christians? or Are We Worldlings? by Horatius Bonar | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christians becoming too comfortable and indulgent in the world. He emphasizes the need for self-denial and separation from world |
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1 Peter 4:3 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of recognizing the past sinful life of believers, as described in 1 Peter 4:3. He explains that the time spent in sin, characterized by lascivio |
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A Friend of God's by Henry Blackaby | Greek Word Studies preaches about the importance of believers working out their salvation fully and thoroughly, bringing it to successful completion and Christlikeness. This involv |