Pro 10:1 | NETfull | STEP | The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.

Proverbs 10:1

1 The Proverbs of Solomon:
A wise child ^{▼▼ Heb “son.”} makes a father rejoice, ^{▼▼ The imperfect tense describes progressive or habitual action, translated here with an English present tense. These fit the nature of proverbs which are general maxims, and not necessarily absolutes or universal truths. One may normally expect to find what the proverb notes, and one should live according to its instructions in the light of those expectations; but one should not be surprised if from time to time there is an exception. The fact that there may be an exception does not diminish the need to live by the sayings.}
but a foolish child ^{▼▼ Heb “son.”} is a grief to his mother. ^{▼▼ Heb “grief of his mother.” The noun “grief” is in construct, and “mother” is an objective genitive. The saying declares that the consequences of wisdom or folly affects the parents.}