proverb · Words worth keeping
A fool despises his father's instruction.
A fool despises his father's instruction.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying judges contempt for a father’s instruction as foolish. It values receiving guidance through a family relationship.
What the words are saying
Despises makes the response stronger than simple disagreement. A responsible application can discuss respectful consideration while recognising that an instruction’s value depends on its content. Parenthood does not make every direction sound, and the phrase should not demand compliance with harmful conduct.
Everyday example
Someone considers a parent’s reasons and explains a different decision respectfully when the advice does not fit.
When to use it
Use it to discuss respectful consideration rather than automatic obedience.
What it does not mean
Family authority does not verify an instruction’s value or justify harm.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 155; PDF page 26
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.