21 The one who begets a fool gets trouble; the parent of a fool has no joy.

22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

23 The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice.

24 The discerning person looks to wisdom, but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.

25 Foolish children are a grief to their father and bitterness to her who bore them.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21-25

Commentary on Proverbs 17:21

(Read Proverbs 17:21)

This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:22

(Read Proverbs 17:22)

It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:23

(Read Proverbs 17:23)

The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:24

(Read Proverbs 17:24)

The prudent man keeps the word of God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:25

(Read Proverbs 17:25)

Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother.