Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 17:25 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. "
Proverbs 17:25
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.
24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
Explore Guided Bible Studies
Structured sessions with notes, questions, and advisor insights
The Beatitudes (5-Day Micro)
A short study on Jesus' blessings and the kingdom way.
Session 1 Preview:
Blessed Are the Humble
6 min
Psalms of Comfort (5-Day Micro)
Short, calming sessions grounded in the Psalms.
Session 1 Preview:
The Shepherd's Care
5 min
Create a free account to save notes, track progress, and unlock all sessions
Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
Wicked children are a grief to both parents. They stir up anger in the father, because they despise his authority, but they bring sorrow and bitterness to the mother, because they misuse her tenderness. Since both parents suffer together, they should also comfort each other together and try to make the burden easier to bear. The mother should soften the father’s anger, and the father should lighten the mother’s grief.
Solomon repeats this point often, likely because it was true in his own life. Even so, it is a common sorrow in many families.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 17:1
"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."
Proverbs 17:2
"A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers."
Proverbs 17:3
"The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts."
Proverbs 17:4
"An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue."
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:6
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents."
Daily Prayer
Get a daily Scripture reflection by email
Start each morning with a verse, a prayer, and a simple next step.
Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.
Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.