Add parallel Print Page Options

24 On the countenance of a discerning person is wisdom,(A)
    but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.[a]
25 A foolish son is vexation to his father,
    and bitter sorrow to her who bore him.(B)
26 It is wrong to fine an innocent person,
    but beyond reason to scourge nobles.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 17:24 Wisdom is visible on the countenance (i.e., mouth, lips, tongue) of the wise person; its ultimate source is the heart. Fools have no such source of wisdom within them, a point that is nicely made by referring to the eye of the fool, roving over the landscape.

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