Proverbs 28:7 - Exposition

Whoso keepeth the Law is a wise son . "Law" is torah , as Proverbs 28:4 ; but it seems here to include not only the Decalogue, but also the father's instruction and commands. Such an obedient and prudent son brings honour and joy to a parent's heart (see Proverbs 10:1 ; Proverbs 29:3 ). He that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father; literally, he that feedeth , hath fellowship with , gluttons ( Proverbs 23:20 ). The son who herds with debauchers, and wastes his substance in riotous living, brings shame on, wounds, and insults, all connected with him. Such a one transgresses the Law and his father's commands, and brings them into contempt (comp. Proverbs 27:11 ). Hence the antithesis of the two clauses. Septuagint, "He that cherishes debauchery ( ποιμαίνει ἀσωτίαν ) dishonours his father." ἀσωτία occurs only in 2 Macc. 6:4, but is common in the New Testament; e . g . Ephesians 5:18 ; Titus 1:6 .