21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.

22 A (A)merry heart [a]does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe [b]behind the back
To pervert the ways of justice.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:22 Or makes medicine even better
  2. Proverbs 17:23 Under cover, lit. from the bosom

Bible Gateway Recommends