21 A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
Proverbs 17:21–23
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 15:12–14
12 A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise. 13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. 14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
Proverbs 15:19–21
19 The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
Proverbs 12:24–26
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up. 26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
Proverbs 15:26–28
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him. 27 He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of t…
Sirach 6:3–5
3 You will eat up your leaves, destroy your fruit, and leave yourself like a dry tree. (WEB) 4 A wicked soul will destroy him who has it, and will make him a laughing stock to his enemies. (WEB) 5 Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends. A gracious tongue will multiply courtes… (WEB)
Proverbs 19:27–29
27 If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Proverbs 10:27–29
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short. 28 The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish. 29 The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
Proverbs 29:2–4
2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exac…
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