Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Original Language Analysis
לְ֭אָבִיו
to his father
H1
לְ֭אָבִיו
to his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 6
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בֵּ֣ן
son
H1121
בֵּ֣ן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Childbearing in ancient times carried significant mortality risk. Mothers invested physical suffering, years of nurture, hopes and dreams into children. When those children pursued folly, it brought bitter grief. Biblical examples include Rebekah's grief over Esau's wives (Genesis 26:34-35), Isaac and Rebekah's heartbreak over Jacob and Esau's conflict, Eli's anguish over his sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17). The proverb urged children toward wisdom that honors sacrificial parental love.
Questions for Reflection
- For children: Does your life bring your parents grief and bitterness or joy and honor?
- For parents: How can you faithfully teach wisdom while trusting God with ultimate outcomes?
- How does understanding God as Father grieving over foolish children affect your response to His discipline and wisdom?
Analysis & Commentary
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. This proverb echoes earlier ones (10:1, 15:20, 17:21), emphasizing parental heartbreak over foolish children. Ka'as le'aviv (כַּעַס לְאָבִיו, vexation to his father)—ka'as means grief, sorrow, vexation. Umemer leyoladto (וּמֶמֶר לְיֹלַדְתּוֹ, and bitterness to her who bore him)—memer describes bitter sorrow. Mothers who bore children in pain experience bitter grief when those children choose folly. The repeated emphasis shows how seriously Proverbs takes this issue. Parents should teach diligently; children should pursue wisdom to honor parents and God.