23:25

This verse is an indirect appeal to the son that he would cause his parents to be happy. This appeal is based on the preceding verse. He will make them happy by acting in a way that is righteous and wise (23:24). Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

25a
May your father and mother be glad,

25b
may she who gave you birth rejoice !

The New Living Translation (2004) makes the connection between verse 23:24 and 23:25 explicit. It has:

25a
So give your father and mother joy!

23:25a–b

May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!: In Hebrew, these similar verbs both function as indirect commands or appeals to the son. Some other ways to translate the first command are:

Give your father and mother cause for delight (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Make your parents happy

Some other ways to translate the second command are:

give your mother a reason to be glad (New Century Version)
-or-
cause your mother real joy

General Comment on 23:25a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine the parallel lines in order to reduce redundancy. For example:

So you should cause your parents real happiness. They are the ones who gave you life.

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