Proverbs 17:21-23

The Message

²¹Having a fool for a child is misery;
it’s no fun being the parent of a dolt.

²²A cheerful disposition is good for your health;
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

²³The wicked take bribes under the table;
they show nothing but contempt for justice.

Proverbs 17:21-23

New International Version

²¹To have a fool for a child brings grief;
there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.^(A)

²²A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed^(B) spirit dries up the bones.^(C)

²³The wicked accept bribes^(D) in secret
to pervert the course of justice.^(E)

The Message (MSG)

New International Version (NIV)