Proverbs 27:11 kjv
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
Proverbs 27:11 nkjv
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.
Proverbs 27:11 niv
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
Proverbs 27:11 esv
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.
Proverbs 27:11 nlt
Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad.
Then I will be able to answer my critics.
Proverbs 27 verses
h2MeaningProverbs 27:11 presents a father's heartfelt plea to his son, urging him to embrace wisdom. The motivation for this wisdom is twofold: to bring joy to the father's heart and, crucially, to provide the father with a proper defense against those who would mock or discredit him. The son's wise living serves as a powerful testament to the value and efficacy of the instruction the father has imparted, thereby vindicating his parenting and the truth of the wisdom he taught.
h2Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 1:8 | Hear, my son, your father’s instruction… | Importance of parental instruction |
| Prov 4:1-2 | Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction… | Parental call to embrace wisdom |
| Prov 10:1 | A wise son makes a glad father… | Son's wisdom brings joy to parent |
| Prov 15:20 | A wise son makes a father glad… | Wise children bring happiness |
| Prov 17:21 | He who begets a fool gets grief… | Foolishness brings parental sorrow |
| Prov 23:15-16 | My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will be glad… | Direct link between son's wisdom and parent's joy |
| Prov 23:24-25 | The father of a righteous son will greatly rejoice… | Righteousness is source of joy |
| Prov 29:17 | Discipline your son, and he will give you rest and pleasure for your soul. | Parental instruction leading to rest and joy |
| Ps 69:9 | ...the reproaches of those who reproach you fell on me. | Bearing reproach |
| Ps 119:22-23 | Take away from me scorn and contempt… | Plea to be freed from scorn |
| Ps 119:42 | Then I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me… | Having a defense against scoffers |
| Rom 15:3 | For even Christ did not please himself, but as it is written: “The reproaches…” | Christ endured reproach |
| 1 Cor 1:27 | But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise… | God confounds worldly wisdom |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | ...always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason… | Being ready to give an answer |
| 1 Pet 4:14 | If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed… | Blessing in bearing Christ's reproach |
| Luke 6:22 | Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you… | Enduring hatred for Christ |
| Phil 1:7 | …because you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense… | Partners in defense of the gospel |
| Tit 2:7-8 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works… | Sound living silences critics |
| Heb 11:26 | He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth… | Valuing Christ over worldly gain |
| Heb 13:13 | Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. | Bearing Christ's reproach outside the norm |
| Matt 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before others… | Good works bring glory to God |
h2ContextProverbs 27:11 stands within a collection of miscellaneous proverbs that often provide pithy observations and instructions on various aspects of life, character, and relationships. In this specific verse, the familial and didactic context of Proverbs is strongly evident, presenting a father's (or wise teacher's) direct appeal to a son (or pupil). The immediate context of Proverbs often deals with practical wisdom for daily living, the consequences of foolishness, and the benefits of a disciplined, righteous life. Historically and culturally, a father's honor and the reputation of his household were paramount in ancient Israel. A son's conduct directly reflected on his parents and their teaching. Therefore, a son's wise actions not only secured his own well-being but also affirmed the integrity and wisdom of his lineage and instruction. The "reproach" refers to public scorn, slander, or questioning of one's methods or beliefs, often by opponents or those with a differing worldview. The son's virtuous life serves as a powerful refutation to such challenges.
h2Word analysis
- My son (בְּנִי - bĕnî): A common address in Proverbs, indicating a pedagogical and relational context. It signifies an intimate teacher-disciple or parent-child relationship, underscoring the deeply personal nature of this plea. It is not just an instruction, but an earnest request.
- be wise (חֲכַם - ḥăḵam): An imperative verb derived from the root for wisdom (ḥāḵām). It's not just about possessing knowledge, but acting skillfully, discerningly, and righteously according to divine truth. It implies living a life aligned with God's ways, leading to practical flourishing.
- and make my heart glad (וְשַׂמַּח לִבִּי - wĕśammaḥ libbî): The verb "śimmaḥ" (to make glad/rejoice) emphasizes profound joy and contentment. The heart (lēb) in Hebrew thought is the seat of intellect, will, and emotion. The son's wisdom directly impacts the father's inner state, validating his life's efforts and aspirations.
- so that I can answer (לְמַעַן אָשִׁיב - lĕmaʿan ʾāšîb): "Lĕmaʿan" means "in order that" or "for the sake of," indicating purpose. "ʾĀšîb" (from shuv, to return/reply) signifies providing a retort or vindication. This points to a public defense or explanation, indicating that the father's honor or method of instruction is being questioned.
- him who reproaches me (חֹרְפִי - ḥōrĕfî): This is a participle meaning "my reproacher" or "him who scorns me." The term "ḥāraph" refers to taunting, insulting, slandering, or casting public shame upon someone. This reproach can be directed at the father's wisdom, his character, or the perceived outcome of his teaching.
- "My son, be wise, and make my heart glad": This phrase highlights the profound parental investment and emotional stake. The father's joy is intricately linked to the son's character and choices, emphasizing that true parental satisfaction comes from seeing a child live wisely.
- "so that I can answer him who reproaches me": This segment reveals a significant practical and public dimension to wisdom. The son's wise living serves as tangible evidence that silences critics of the father's instruction, providing a defense of the wisdom tradition itself. It implies that folly would bring shame not just to the son, but to the father and his teaching methods.
h2CommentaryProverbs 27:11 encapsulates a deep personal and instructional plea. It reveals a father's vulnerable request for his son to embody the wisdom he has been taught, recognizing that the son's life choices have significant repercussions beyond himself. The wisdom pursued by the son is not merely for individual benefit but profoundly impacts the father's reputation and joy. A life lived wisely becomes the ultimate vindication against those who scorn or doubt the validity of the father's instruction, principles, or even his faith. It speaks to the communal impact of personal character, where an individual's uprightness provides a robust defense for the values and guidance imparted by those who have poured into their lives. For a believer, this echoes the truth that living according to God's wisdom brings joy to our Heavenly Father and allows His followers to answer those who challenge the veracity of their faith by pointing to transformed lives.
- Example: A parent whose child lives honorably amidst a scoffing generation demonstrates the power of their upbringing.
- Example: A church community that lives out love and unity provides a counter-argument to the world's cynicism about faith.
h2Bonus sectionThe "reproach" mentioned in this verse can be seen in broader terms than just personal familial pride. It can represent the reproach faced by the system of wisdom itself – a challenge to the effectiveness or truth of a godly, righteous lifestyle. Thus, the son's wisdom doesn't just clear the father's name, but also upholds the honor of the wise way of life the father espouses. In a theological sense, this can extend to God the Father: when His children live wisely according to His commands, they bring joy to Him and demonstrate the power and truth of His word against those who mock His ways or question His existence (e.g., Ps 147:11). The ultimate reproacher is Satan, and a life lived in wisdom, particularly by a Christian, ultimately contributes to God's victory and the silencing of the accuser's slanders.