He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

PROVERBS 19:26KJV
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Proverbs 19:26 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 19:26 mean?

Proverbs 19:26 warns that a son who wastes his father’s resources and drives away his mother brings shame and disgrace to himself and his family. The verse highlights the seriousness of mistreating one’s parents, especially through selfish or destructive behavior.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for daily living, often directed toward young people or those seeking guidance. Here, the focus is on family relationships, showing that dishonoring parents—by squandering what they have worked for or rejecting their care—is not only personally shameful but also publicly damaging.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 19:26

  • "wasteth" (שָׁדַד, shadad): This word means to destroy, devastate, or plunder. In this context, it paints a picture of a son who takes from his father in a way that leaves him ruined, not just carelessly spending but actively harming.
  • "chases away" (דָּחָה, dakhah): This word means to drive away or thrust aside. It suggests a forceful rejection of the mother, not just neglect but pushing her out of his life.
  • "shame" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word carries the sense of deep embarrassment or humiliation. The verse emphasizes that such actions bring not just disappointment but a strong sense of disgrace.
  • "reproach" (חָפֵר, chaper): This word means scorn or public dishonor. The verse highlights that the consequences of these actions are not private but are seen and judged by the wider community.

Why Proverbs 19:26 matters

  • Proverbs 19:26 clarifies that disrespect toward parents is not just a private family issue but something that affects a person’s reputation and standing in the community.
  • The verse emphasizes the active harm done by the son, going beyond simple neglect to deliberate destruction and rejection, which deepens the seriousness of the warning.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this verse fits into a broader theme of honoring family and the consequences of foolish or selfish choices, helping the reader see the long-term impact of their actions on relationships and reputation.

Where else these words appear

“reproach” Hebrew H2659 · used in 17 verses

  • Job 6:20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
  • Psalms 70:2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
  • Isaiah 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

“wasteth” Hebrew H7703 · used in 47 verses

  • Judges 5:27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
  • Jeremiah 4:30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
  • Jeremiah 49:3 Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges; for their king shall go into captivity, and his priests and his princes together.

“away” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

“shame” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.