King James Version

What Does Proverbs 19:13 Mean?

Proverbs 19:13 in the King James Version says “A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

Proverbs 19:13 · KJV


Context

11

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. discretion: or, prudence

12

The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

13

A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse addresses two sources of domestic grief: the foolish son and the contentious wife. The Hebrew 'havvah' (calamity) denotes not merely inconvenience but genuine disaster. A son's folly—rejection of wisdom and godly counsel—brings ruin upon his father's household through shame, wasted resources, and broken relationships. The 'continual dropping' metaphor vividly depicts the wearing effect of constant strife; like water eroding stone, persistent contention destroys peace and joy. Both situations result from rebellion against God's order—the son against wisdom, the wife against her role as helpmeet.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israelite society, sons were expected to honor fathers and carry on family legacy, making a foolish son a profound failure. Wives who cultivated strife violated the covenant relationship that should reflect Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).

Reflection Questions

  1. What patterns of foolishness or contention exist in your family relationships that need to be addressed?
  2. How can the gospel transform both the rebellious heart and the contentious spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הַוֹּ֣ת1 of 8

is the calamity

H1942

by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin

לְ֭אָבִיו2 of 8

of his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בֵּ֣ן3 of 8

son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כְּסִ֑יל4 of 8

A foolish

H3684

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly

וְדֶ֥לֶף5 of 8

dropping

H1812

a dripping

טֹ֝רֵ֗ד6 of 8

are a continual

H2956

to drive on; figuratively, to follow close

מִדְיְנֵ֥י7 of 8

and the contentions

H4079

a contest or quarrel

אִשָּֽׁה׃8 of 8

of a wife

H802

a woman


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 19:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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