The Church Fathers on this verse

Proverbs 29:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Instruct thy son and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul.

Douay-Rheims

יַסֵּ֣ר בִּ֭נְךָ וִֽינִיחֶ֑ךָ וְיִתֵּ֖ן מַעֲדַנִּ֣ים לְנַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

A discerning individual brings joy to their parents, and when that individual is a ruler, they bring honor to their nation; however, a sycophant merely misleads those around him, while a rogue stirs up anger within the community. Even a wise person who partners with a fool cannot find tranquility and is often despised by the wicked. The integrity or corruption of a leader directly impacts those closest to him and influences the well-being of his citizens; similarly, quality instruction shapes the future of a child, and discipline dictates the conduct of a servant. It is obvious that the unrighteous spread strife, undermine themselves, and harbor hatred for their own being, whereas the righteous receive honor and are safeguarded by the Lord. Just as the path of the wicked is detestable to the virtuous, so too do the unjust harbor animosity towards the righteous.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.