Proverbs 17:21

KJV

¶ He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that begetteth {H3205} a fool {H3684} doeth it to his sorrow {H8424}: and the father {H1} of a fool {H5036} hath no joy {H8055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a boor has no joy.

Berean Standard Bible

A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.

American Standard Version

He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 17:21 delivers a poignant and sobering observation on the profound emotional burden borne by parents of a child who persistently chooses a path of foolishness. It highlights that the act of begetting or raising a fool leads not to joy, but to deep sorrow and an absence of delight for the father, underscoring the severe relational and emotional consequences of a child's rejection of wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 17:21 is situated within the broader collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which frequently contrast the wise and the foolish. This particular verse forms part of a series of proverbs that address family relationships, particularly the impact of children's character on their parents. The book consistently presents wisdom as adherence to God's instruction and folly as a willful rejection of it, leading to predictable outcomes. Verses like [Proverbs 10:1](/proverbs/10-1 "Proverbs 10:1 - A Wise Son Makes a Glad Father") and [Proverbs 15:20](/proverbs/15-20 "Proverbs 15:20 - A Wise Son Gladdens His Father") celebrate the joy a wise child brings, while Proverbs 17:21, along with [Proverbs 19:13](/proverbs/19-13 "Proverbs 19:13 - A Foolish Son is a Grief to His Father") and [Proverbs 29:15](/proverbs/29-15 "Proverbs 29:15 - A Foolish Son Brings Shame"), laments the pain a foolish one inflicts. This verse specifically focuses on the father's perspective, emphasizing the personal anguish.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the foundational structure, and lineage was of paramount importance. Children were seen as a blessing from God, and their character reflected upon the entire household. A son, especially, was expected to carry on the family name, honor, and traditions. The father, as the patriarch, bore significant responsibility for the moral and spiritual upbringing of his children. Therefore, a child's deviation into foolishness—understood not merely as intellectual deficiency but as moral and spiritual rebellion—was not just a personal disappointment but a public shame and a deep source of grief for the father, impacting his standing and the family's reputation within the community. The proverb speaks to the profound emotional investment parents had in their children's development and choices.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it reinforces the **Stark Contrast Between Wisdom and Folly**, portraying folly not as a benign state but as a destructive path that brings suffering not only to the individual but also to those closest to them. Secondly, it highlights the **Profound Impact of Choices on Relationships**, particularly within the family; a child's choices have far-reaching consequences beyond themselves, directly affecting parental well-being. Thirdly, it underscores the **Value of Parental Diligence and Instruction**, implicitly encouraging parents to diligently teach their children wisdom, while also acknowledging the potential for deep sorrow when such efforts are rejected. The sorrow described is not merely disappointment but a profound emotional and spiritual burden, emphasizing that true joy in parenting is tied to a child's embrace of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 23:24-25](/proverbs/23-24 "Proverbs 23:24-25 - The Joy of a Wise Child").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** This term (H3684) denotes someone who is dull, stupid, or silly, but in the context of Proverbs, it carries a strong moral and spiritual connotation. A _kᵉçîyl_ is not simply unintelligent but is morally deficient, obstinate, and resistant to instruction and wisdom. They are characterized by a lack of discernment and a tendency towards self-destructive behavior, often despising knowledge and acting recklessly.
* **Sorrow (Hebrew, _tûgâh'_):** This word (H8424) signifies deep depression of spirits, grief, or heaviness. It conveys a profound, abiding pain and affliction rather than a fleeting disappointment. The parent's sorrow is a heavy burden, a pervasive sadness that results from the child's persistent foolishness and the destructive path they have chosen.
* **Joy (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This root (H8055) means to brighten up, to be blithe or gleesome, to be glad, or to rejoice. Its negation in the proverb ("hath no joy") emphasizes a profound absence of delight, happiness, and contentment where such emotions should naturally reside. It indicates a deep emptiness in the parental heart, a void where the expected pleasure and satisfaction of raising a child should be.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow":** This clause establishes a direct causal link between bringing a foolish child into the world and the resulting sorrow for the parent. The act of "begetting" (Hebrew: _yâlad_, H3205, to bear young, to beget) highlights the initial hope and potential associated with birth, which is then tragically contrasted with the outcome of a child who grows to be a "fool" (_kᵉçîyl_). The phrase "doeth it to his sorrow" emphasizes that the very act of parenthood, when the child embraces folly, becomes a source of deep, personal grief for the father.
* **"and the father of a fool hath no joy":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallelism, reiterating and intensifying the sentiment of the first. It specifically names the "father" (Hebrew: _ʼâb_, H1) as the one who experiences this profound lack. The "fool" here uses a different Hebrew word (_nâbâl_, H5036), which implies someone who is not only stupid but also wicked, impious, or vile, adding a moral dimension to the folly. The complete absence of "joy" (_sâmach_) underscores the emotional desolation experienced by the parent, highlighting a life devoid of the natural delight and satisfaction that a wise child would bring.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 17:21 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where the second line ("and the father of a fool hath no joy") essentially repeats and reinforces the meaning of the first ("He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow") using different but related terms. This repetition emphasizes the certainty and depth of the parental anguish. The proverb also uses **Contrast** implicitly, setting the sorrow of a foolish child against the implied joy of a wise one, a common theme throughout Proverbs. Furthermore, the language is highly **Emotive**, using words like "sorrow" and "no joy" to evoke a strong sense of pathos and empathy for the burdened parent, making the observation deeply personal and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb speaks to the profound biblical truth that human choices have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individual but also for their closest relationships. It underscores the weight of parental responsibility in nurturing wisdom and righteousness, while also acknowledging the heartbreaking reality that children possess agency and can choose paths that bring grief. Theologically, it resonates with the concept of God's own sorrow over humanity's persistent rebellion and folly, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament as God laments the choices of His people. It also highlights the biblical emphasis on the family as a primary unit for spiritual formation, where the character of its members profoundly impacts the well-being of the whole.

* [Proverbs 10:1](/proverbs/10-1 "Proverbs 10:1 - A Wise Son Makes a Glad Father")
* [Proverbs 23:24-25](/proverbs/23-24 "Proverbs 23:24-25 - The Joy of a Wise Child")
* [Proverbs 29:15](/proverbs/29-15 "Proverbs 29:15 - A Foolish Son Brings Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 17:21 offers a stark, yet compassionate, mirror for both parents and children. For parents, it serves as a powerful reminder of the immense spiritual and emotional investment inherent in raising children. It underscores the critical importance of diligently teaching and modeling wisdom, godliness, and a love for God's ways from the earliest age, recognizing that while ultimate choices rest with the child, the parental role is foundational. For those whose children have, despite their best efforts, chosen paths of folly, this verse offers an acknowledgement of their deep pain and sorrow, validating their grief while encouraging continued prayer, hope, and reliance on God's sovereign grace. For children and individuals, the proverb is a sobering call to consider the far-reaching impact of their choices. A life of foolishness does not merely harm oneself; it inflicts profound emotional distress upon those who love them most, particularly parents. It encourages a humble embrace of wisdom, instruction, and righteousness, understanding that such choices bring not only personal blessing but also joy and honor to one's family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this proverb challenge my understanding of "folly" beyond mere lack of intelligence?**
* **If I am a parent, what does this verse prompt me to re-evaluate about my approach to discipling my children in wisdom?**
* **If I am a child (of any age), how do my choices reflect on my parents, and what steps can I take to bring them joy rather than sorrow?**
* **How does this proverb encourage empathy and prayer for parents who are grieving the choices of their children?**

### FAQ

**What defines a "fool" in the book of Proverbs?**

Answer: In Proverbs, a "fool" (represented by various Hebrew terms like _kᵉçîyl_ and _nâbâl_) is not simply someone lacking intelligence. Rather, it describes a person who is morally and spiritually deficient, characterized by a willful rejection of God's wisdom, instruction, and moral principles. They are often arrogant, resistant to correction, prone to reckless behavior, and may even be openly wicked or impious. Their folly is a matter of character and choice, leading to self-destruction and grief for those connected to them.

**Does this proverb imply that parents are always to blame for their child's foolishness?**

Answer: No, the proverb does not imply that parents are solely to blame. While Proverbs emphasizes the importance of parental instruction and discipline (e.g., [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child")), it also acknowledges the child's individual responsibility and agency. Even with the most diligent upbringing, a child can choose to reject wisdom and embrace folly. The proverb highlights the *consequence* of such a choice on the parent, not necessarily the *cause* being solely parental failure. It speaks to the natural emotional outcome for a loving parent when a child chooses a destructive path.

**Is there hope for parents whose children have chosen a foolish path?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the proverb accurately depicts the sorrow, the broader biblical narrative offers profound hope. God is a God of redemption and transformation. Parents are encouraged to continue praying for their children, trusting in God's power to change hearts (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Stories like the Prodigal Son in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son") illustrate God's boundless grace and the possibility of repentance and return, bringing ultimate joy. The proverb validates the pain but does not negate the possibility of future grace and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 17:21, though speaking of earthly parent-child relationships, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and in God's relationship with humanity. Just as an earthly father grieves over a foolish child, so too does our heavenly Father experience sorrow over humanity's persistent folly and rebellion against His divine wisdom. Throughout Scripture, God laments the choices of His people who turn away from His instruction, echoing the pain described in this proverb. However, in Christ, God provides the ultimate antidote to human folly. Jesus is the embodiment of divine wisdom, "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He became the means by which humanity, once foolish and lost, can be reconciled to God and transformed into children of wisdom. The "joy" that is absent for the father of a fool is found in abundance in Christ, for He brings "joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who repents" ([Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Joy Over a Repentant Sinner")). He is the wise Son who always brings joy to His Father, and through Him, we, though once foolish, can become wise, bringing glory and delight to our heavenly Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 10:1

¶ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 19:13

¶ A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.

Proverbs 15:20

¶ A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Genesis 26:34

¶ And 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:

Proverbs 23:15

My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

Proverbs 23:16

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

1 Samuel 2:32

And thou shalt see an enemy [in my] habitation, in all [the wealth] which [God] shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.