Proverbs 17:21
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: And the father of a fool hath no joy.
In context
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his friend. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: And he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: And the father of a fool hath no joy. 22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones. 23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom To pervert the ways of judgment. 24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Compare in other versions
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 17:21 in the NIV
To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 17:21 in the ESV
He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.