Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While we often think of a child's actions as impacting the whole family, this verse uniquely highlights the specific, profound pain a "foolish" son brings to his mother. The word for "bitterness" used here only appears once in Scripture, suggesting a depth of sorrow that goes beyond mere disappointment, perhaps even echoing the physical pain of childbirth with a spiritual sting.
This proverb is part of a larger collection emphasizing the wisdom of a good life and the folly of a bad one, often contrasting righteous and wicked behavior. It echoes earlier warnings about foolish children, particularly highlighting how their actions bring sorrow not just to their father but also to their mother, who endured the pain of bringing them into the world. The verses that follow will continue this theme by contrasting the punishment of the innocent with the appropriate actions of rulers.
We often think of 'grief' as sadness, but this verse points to something even more profound. What makes a foolish son's actions so devastating?
The Hebrew word used for 'grief' here (kaas) carries a stronger sense than just sadness. It implies vexation, provocation, and even wrath. It's not just a quiet sorrow; it's an active, burning frustration.
The Weight on Parents
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Why does Solomon repeat this hard truth? What's the lasting significance of calling out the pain of a foolish child?
It's noteworthy that this isn't the first time Solomon addresses the sorrow caused by foolish children. He touches on it in Proverbs 10:1, 15:20, and 19:13. This repetition underscores its importance.
Purpose of the Repetition
Understand the original words
ka'as · Hebrew Noun
A deep, heavy sense of sadness or distress, often used specifically regarding the pain parents feel due to the waywardness of their children.
merirut · Hebrew Noun
A state of severe emotional or spiritual pain; it describes a deeply unpleasant or stinging condition, often born of disappointment or relational conflict.
This passage also highlights the deep sorrow a foolish son causes his parents, emphasizing the emotional toll of their unwise choices.
Proverbs 15:20This verse offers a similar sentiment, showing that parental joy is linked to having wise children, underscoring the pain of their opposite.
Proverbs 19:13This verse directly links a foolish son to contention and a nagging source of trouble for his father, illustrating the ongoing grief mentioned in Proverbs 17:25.
Luke 15:11-32The parable of the Prodigal Son vividly portrays the grief and bitterness a parent experiences due to a child's foolishness, and the profound relief and joy when that child returns.
barnesProverbs 17:25: "A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him."
Compare Proverbs 17:21 . Here is added a reference to the sorrow which the folly of a child brings especially to the mother.
bensonProverbs 17:25: "A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him."
Proverbs 17:25-26 . A foolish son, &c. — This was said before, Proverbs 15:20 , and elsewhere; but he here repeats it, as a point of great moment and constant use, and as a powerful motive to oblige both children to conduct themselves wisely and dutifully toward their parents, as they would not be thought to be unnatural and inhuman, and parents to educate their children prudently and religiously, at…
While we often think of a child's actions as impacting the whole family, this verse uniquely highlights the specific, profound pain a "foolish" son brings to his mother. The word for "bitterness" used here only appears once in Scripture, suggesting a depth of sorrow that goes beyond mere disappointment, perhaps even echoing the physical pain of childbirth with a spiritual sting.
This proverb is part of a larger collection emphasizing the wisdom of a good life and the folly of a bad one, often contrasting righteous and wicked behavior. It echoes earlier warnings about foolish children, particularly highlighting how their actions bring sorrow not just to their father but also to their mother, who endured the pain of bringing them into the world. The verses that follow will continue this theme by contrasting the punishment of the innocent with the appropriate actions of rulers.
This proverb is part of a larger collection emphasizing the wisdom of a good life and the folly of a bad one, often contrasting righteous and wicked behavior. It echoes earlier warnings about foolish children, particularly highlighting how their actions bring sorrow not just to their father but also to their mother, who endured the pain of bringing them into the world. The verses that follow will continue this theme by contrasting the punishment of the innocent with the appropriate actions of rulers.
"A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him." — While we often think of a child's actions as impacting the whole family, this verse uniquely highlights the specific, profound pain a "foolish" son brings to his mother. The word for "bitterness" u…
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