Proverbs 17:21-23

New International Reader's Version

²¹It is sad to have a foolish child.
The parents of a godless fool have no joy.

²²A cheerful heart makes you healthy.
But a broken spirit dries you up.

²³Anyone who does wrong accepts favors in secret.
Then they turn what is right into what is wrong.

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)

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

New International Version (NIV)