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Proverbs 30:17

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

The eye that mocks his father and refuses to obey his mother, the ravens in the valley will peck it out, and the young eagles will devour it.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse warns that disrespecting and disobeying parents brings serious consequences.

📚 Historical Context

In ancient Israelite society, honoring parents was a core commandment from God, as outlined in the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:12, which underscored the importance of family hierarchy and respect for authority to maintain social order. Proverbs 30 contains wisdom sayings attributed to Agur, using stark and poetic imagery common in ancient Near Eastern literature to vividly illustrate the consequences of foolish actions like parental disrespect. This verse serves as a warning that rebellion against parents could lead to severe, even metaphorical, punishment in a culture that valued familial obedience as essential for community stability.

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