A new proverb was posted to the Mishlei section on Wednesday, March 21, on the subject of aggravation experienced by the parents of an unworthy child. Both the father and mother suffer aggravation in such a case, but each is hurt in a different way. A father may be roused to intense anger and resentment but his focus is more easily diverted by urgent responsibilities outside the family.
On the other hand, a woman, even while attending to most of her work, can give free play to her thoughts. Accordingly, her gloom may be far deeper and more lasting. Because of her more sensitive nature, a mother may feel the bitterness of this failure more intensely and over longer periods of time.