Proverbs 17:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.

NIV: To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.

NASB: He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.

CSB: A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow; the father of a fool has no joy.

NLT: It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.

KJV: He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

NKJV: He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.

Solomon observes in this verse that the father of a foolish son has sorrow but no joy. This echoes other statements about how ungodly children bring shame and stress to their families (Proverbs 10:1, 5; 17:25; 19:26; 29:15).

Scripture includes at least two Hebrew root words translated into English as "fool." These are very closely related, with only subtle difference in meaning, if any. The first is kesil (for example, in, Proverbs 10:1, 18; 15:20; 17:10; Psalm 49:10) and can imply either spiritual or intellectual dullness. The second is nābāl (for example, in, Proverbs 17:7; 30:22; Psalm 14:1) which more often refers to spiritual arrogance or a lack of sense. This verse uses both.

When a child is born, the parents rejoice. Later, if the child becomes a disobedient child, teenager, or adult, he not only disappoints his parents but also grieves them deeply. They will not—hopefully—stop loving that son or daughter. But a wayward child causes their parents tremendous pain. King David's son Absalom's name literally means "my father is peace," but Absalom brought David nothing but trouble. He rebelled against David, stole the hearts of the people from David, and tried to overthrow David and take his place as king (2 Samuel 15:10–14). David grieved over this betrayal and sobbed when his son was killed (2 Samuel 18:33). Many godly parents do their best to guide a son or daughter into being someone who loves and obeys the Lord, but they encounter grief when the child goes a different way.

Proverbs 17:7–21 continues Solomon's wise observations. These remarks touch on speech, fools, strife, true friendship, co-signing loans, love of sinning, and what a fool can expect thanks to his foolishness. Numerous comments involve errors that lead to arguments and division. Some observations make a statement and then add to it, others present vivid contrasts.

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.