Proverbs 17:21-23

Modern English Version

²¹He who fathers a fool does it to his sorrow,
and the father of a fool has no joy.

²²A merry heart does good like a medicine,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.

²³A wicked man takes a bribe out of a hidden place
to pervert the ways of judgment.

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)

Modern English Version (MEV)

New International Version (NIV)