King James Version

What Does Proverbs 17:25 Mean?

Proverbs 17:25 in the King James Version says “A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.”

Proverbs 17:25 · KJV

Context

23

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

24

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding ; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

25

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

26

Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

27

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. an: or, a cool

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. For children: Does your life bring your parents grief and bitterness or joy and honor?
  2. For parents: How can you faithfully teach wisdom while trusting God with ultimate outcomes?
  3. How does understanding God as Father grieving over foolish children affect your response to His discipline and wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כַּ֣עַס1 of 6

“is a grief”

H3708

vexation

לְ֭אָבִיו2 of 6

“to his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בֵּ֣ן3 of 6

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כְּסִ֑יל4 of 6

“A foolish”

H3684

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly

וּ֝מֶ֗מֶר5 of 6

“and bitterness”

H4470

sorrow

לְיוֹלַדְתּֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“to her that bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 17:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 17:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:12 Samuel 13:1-22Proverbs 19:13Ecclesiastes 2:18-19Proverbs 15:20

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