Proverbs 17:21

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

مَنْ لَهُ وَلَدٌ جَاهِلٌ يَعِيشُ بِحَسْرَةٍ، وَلَا يَفْرَحُ أبُو الأحْمَقِ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Proverbs says that having a foolish child can cause a parent great sorrow, and a parent with a foolish child can't find joy. It emphasizes the deep impact a child's behavior can have on a parent.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a pet that keeps doing silly things that get it into trouble. That could make you very sad, right? This verse is like that, but for grown-ups and their children.

Historical Background

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, often attributed to King Solomon. It was written around 950 BC, and its audience was the people of Israel, offering guidance on living a moral and prudent life.

Living It Out Today

A modern scenario could be a parent who is deeply concerned about their child's repeated irresponsible behavior, such as skipping school or lying, which causes significant stress and disappointment.

Topics

• parenting
• wisdom
• sorrow
• joy
• responsibility
• behavior

Related Verses

• Proverbs 10:1
• Proverbs 15:20
• Psalm 128:1-6
• Matthew 26:75
• Luke 15:11-32

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this verse be interpreted as blaming parents for their children's behavior?

This verse focuses on the emotional impact of a child's foolish actions rather than placing blame. It emphasizes the natural consequences of a child's behavior on the parent's emotional well-being.

How can parents deal with the sorrow mentioned in this verse?

Parents can find support through counseling, community, or faith-based groups to address the emotional challenges posed by a child's unwise choices.

What does 'fool' mean in this context?

In this context, 'fool' refers to someone who acts recklessly, ignoring wisdom and guidance, which often leads to negative consequences for themselves and those around them.

Are there any positive messages hidden in this verse?

While the verse describes a difficult situation, it also implies that wise parenting can lead to joy and satisfaction, highlighting the importance of raising children with wisdom.