Brings Reproach

Proverbs 19:26 He that wastes his father, and chases away his mother, is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach. 

‘He that wastes his father.’ To “waste” a father refers to squandering his resources, wealth, property, or inheritance. The image is of a son who consumes what his father worked hard to build, showing neither gratitude nor restraint.

This is often connected with riotous or prodigal living (cf. Luke 15:13 – the prodigal son wasted his inheritance with reckless living). Such waste reveals selfishness: rather than honouring his father, the son dishonours him by destroying his legacy.

‘Chases away his mother.’ This phrase portrays a son who mistreats or drives out his mother, leaving her abandoned in old age. In Hebrew culture, mothers were especially honoured as nurturers and caretakers (Ex. 20:12; Deut 5:16). To “chase away” a mother implies harshness, neglect, or cruelty. Older women didn’t retire and receive a pension, and were dependent on their husbands and later on their sons, when their husbands fell away. It is the very opposite of the command to “not despise your mother when she is old” (23:22).

‘Is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach.’ Such a son becomes a public disgrace. His actions stain not only his own name, but also that of his family. In Israelite society, where family honour was highly valued, this was a deep reproach. God’s law strictly commanded children to honour parents (Ex. 20:12). To dishonour them could bring covenant curses (Deut. 27:16) and today cause a child to die at a young age (Eph. 6:1-3).

A foolish son squanders blessings and forsakes family, but a wise son honours and cares for his parents, preserving both dignity and blessing.