Proverbs 17:21 Meaning and Explanation
“He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The father of a foolish son experiences only grief and the loss of generational blessing.
The Context of Proverbs 17:21
Proverbs does not shy away from the painful realities of family relationships.
What Does Proverbs 17:21 Mean?
The verse speaks candidly about one of life's profound sorrows: raising a child who refuses wisdom. The parent who has a foolish son is doubly cursed—first by the sorrow of his son's destructive choices and their consequences, and second by the loss of joy that might come from a son's accomplishments and honor. Where love and hope might flourish, only pain remains.
This is not commentary on the parent's failure but on the collision between parental dreams and a child's rejection of wisdom. No matter how much the father teaches or sacrifices, if the son cleaves to folly, the cost falls on both. The father carries the weight of watching his legacy squandered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 17:21
What does Proverbs 17:21 mean?
The father of a foolish son experiences only grief and the loss of generational blessing.
What is the context of Proverbs 17:21?
Proverbs does not shy away from the painful realities of family relationships.