The Bible Says
Proverbs 23:22-23 Meaning

In Proverbs 23:22-23, the writer begins by urging his audience to honor their parents, stating, Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old (v. 22). The Book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who ruled Israel as the son of King David. By encouraging reverence for one’s parents, Solomon connects to the wider biblical theme of honoring father and mother, which is repeated throughout the Scriptures (Matthew 19:19). The phrase Listen to your father carries the notion that children owe a debt of obedience and respect to their parents, who lovingly guide them in the way of wisdom.

When the verse continues, And do not despise your mother when she is old, it speaks to the enduring value of care and respect for one’s mother, an instruction that remains relevant regardless of changing circumstances. Aging parents often need greater kindness and assistance, reflecting God’s own heart of compassion for the vulnerable. Honoring one’s mother is not simply a social expectation but a moral imperative, rooted in God’s design for family structure and fellowship.

This teaching underscores the importance of maintaining a faithful bond between generations. Even when the child becomes an adult, the admonition holds true. Such mutual respect binds families together and prevents estrangement during life’s later stages. Within the wider narrative of Scripture, caring for and respecting parents foreshadows the love believers are to show to one another, following Christ’s example of sacrificial care.

The second verse of this passage shifts its focus, instructing the reader to Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding (v. 23). This exhortation reminds us that truth has an immense worth not to be traded away. Throughout the Bible, wisdom and understanding are pictured as precious treasures (James 1:5). Solomon advocates an active pursuit of discerning truth—through study, reflection, and heeding wise counsel—because it leads to godly living.

When we are urged to buy truth, this suggests devoting resources of time, energy, and even material means to acquire genuine spiritual insight. The directive to not sell it further highlights that once gained, truth must be guarded faithfully. This can resonate deeply with believers, as Jesus Christ embodied ultimate truth, prompting His followers to remain unwavering in their commitment to the gospel (John 14:6).

Finally, the call to Get wisdom and instruction and understanding emphasizes that wisdom is not a static possession but a continuous quest. By seeking divine instruction, a person grows in spiritual maturity and is better equipped to navigate life’s complexities. Holding firmly to both truth and wisdom becomes a shield against moral compromise, guiding believers and anchoring them in the Lord’s ways.