24 Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive,
but a fool’s eyes(A) roam to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.(B)

26 It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person
or to beat a noble for his honesty.[a](C)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 17:26 Or noble unfairly

24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes(A) wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
    and bitterness to the mother who bore him.(B)

26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,(C)
    surely to flog honest officials is not right.

Read full chapter