Proverbs 23:22-25 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee And who, therefore, desires and seeks thy good in all his counsels; and despise not thy mother when she is old When the infirmity of age is added to that of her sex, which is apt to produce contempt. Buy the truth Purchase a true and saving knowledge of God, and his will concerning thy salvation, upon any terms; spare no pains nor cost to obtain it; and sell it not Do not forget it, nor forsake it for any worldly advantages, as unthinking backsliders frequently do; also wisdom and understanding Whereby thou mayest be enabled to love and practice the truths known and received. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice “For there is no greater joy a parent can have than to see his son take virtuous ways; which, as it is the only wisdom, so it gives both parents and children the highest pleasure and satisfaction.” Thy father and thy mother shall be glad “Let not thy father and mother then want this singular pleasure; but, by thy well-doing, fill the heart of her that bare thee with joy and triumph; who, for all the pains and care she hath had in thy birth, and about thy education, desires no other requital but only this.” Bishop Patrick. Thus Solomon twice urges the same consideration, as a powerful argument to prevail with all children, that are not void of natural affection, to labour to be wise and good, that so they may rejoice the hearts of their parents, to whom they are under such high and indelible obligations.