Proverbs 17:21

21 It is sad to have a foolish child; there is no joy in being the parent of a fool.

Proverbs 17:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:21

He that begetteth a fool [doth it] to his sorrow
As it proves in the issue; though it was joy to him when a man child was born, and took delight in him while in infancy and childhood, and promised himself much happiness in him when at years of discretion; but, instead of that, he departs from his education principles, despises all parental counsels and advice, and goes into all the extravagance of sin and folly; which is an heartbreaking to his godly and religious parents; for this is to be understood; not of an idiot, but of a wicked son, taking bad courses; and the father of a fool hath no joy;
in his son, but sorrow, and has scarce any joy or pleasure in anything else in all his enjoyments; the trouble he is filled with on his account embitters all he has, that he can take no satisfaction, or have any comfort of life; the concern for his son is uppermost in his thoughts, and hinders him from taking that pleasure which otherwise he might enjoy.

Proverbs 17:21 In-Context

19 Whoever loves to argue loves to sin. Whoever brags a lot is asking for trouble.

20 A person with an evil heart will find no success, and the person whose words are evil will get into trouble.

21 It is sad to have a foolish child; there is no joy in being the parent of a fool.

22 A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength.

23 When the wicked accept money to do wrong there can be no justice.