Proverbs 6:20

Modern

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Traditional

My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Literal

Keep, my son, the command of your father, and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.

Latin

Conserva, fili mi, præcepta patris tui, et ne dimittas legem matris tuæ.

Hebrew

English

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

This passage highlights the serious danger of having a relationship with another man's wife (see also Proverbs 1:8, 23; 2:16–22; 5:1–23; 7:1–27).

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Deuteronomy 27:16
‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
Proverbs 7:1–4
My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you.
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Proverbs 1:8–9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.
Proverbs 30:11
There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
Deuteronomy 21:18
If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined,