Proverbs 17:21
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
Original Language Analysis
יֹלֵ֣ד
He that begetteth
H3205
יֹלֵ֣ד
He that begetteth
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
1 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
לְת֣וּגָה
doeth it to his sorrow
H8424
לְת֣וּגָה
doeth it to his sorrow
Strong's:
H8424
Word #:
3 of 8
depression (of spirits); concretely a grief
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֝שְׂמַ֗ח
hath no joy
H8055
יִ֝שְׂמַ֗ח
hath no joy
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
6 of 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
Cross References
Proverbs 10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.Proverbs 19:13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.Proverbs 15:20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.Proverbs 17:25A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.Genesis 26:34And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture emphasized family honor through children. Foolish children brought disgrace, destroyed family reputation, squandered inheritance. Biblical examples include: Eli's sons disgracing him (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25), David grieving over Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33), the prodigal son wasting his inheritance (Luke 15:11-13). Yet the prodigal's repentance brought joy (Luke 15:24), showing wisdom can be recovered through grace.
Questions for Reflection
- For parents: Are you faithfully teaching your children wisdom even though you can't control their ultimate choices?
- For children: Do you bring your parents sorrow or joy through foolish or wise living?
- How does God as Father grieve over His foolish children, and what brings Him joy (Luke 15:7, 10)?
Analysis & Commentary
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. Yoled kesil letugah lo (יוֹלֵד כְּסִיל לְתוּגָה לוֹ, begetting a fool—sorrow to him). Foolish children bring parental grief. Velo-yismach avi naval (וְלֹא־יִשְׂמַח אֲבִי נָבָל, and the father of a fool has no joy). Naval (נָבָל, fool, vile person, morally deficient) describes the worst foolishness. This proverb mourns parental heartbreak over foolish children. While parents can't control adult children's choices, they should faithfully teach wisdom. Ultimately, God grieves over His foolish children who reject Him (Luke 19:41).