23 The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.

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

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

Other Translations of Proverbs 17:23-25

King James Version

23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

English Standard Version

23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secretHebrew a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice.

24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

The Message

23 The wicked take bribes under the table; they show nothing but contempt for justice.

24 The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here.

25 A surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father, a bitter pill for a mother to swallow.

New King James Version

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.

New Living Translation

23 The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice.

24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23-25

Commentary on Proverbs 17:23

(Read Proverbs 17:23)

The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:24

(Read Proverbs 17:24)

The prudent man keeps the word of God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:25

(Read Proverbs 17:25)

Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother.