Proverbs 27 11

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

Proverbs 27 11 Meaning

This verse presents a profound plea from a wise parent or instructor to a student, identified as "my son." It urges the son to embrace wisdom, explaining that such a life choice will not only bring personal benefit but will also be a source of great joy and vindication for the teacher. The wisdom lived out by the son serves as a powerful and irrefutable defense against those who challenge, ridicule, or accuse the father or his teachings. It signifies that the evidence of effective instruction lies in the changed life of the pupil.

Proverbs 27 11 Context

Proverbs 27:11 appears within a section of practical wisdom, focusing on various aspects of life, including friendship, diligence, self-reliance, and the nature of folly. The broader context of the book of Proverbs is an extended discourse from a "father" figure (which can also symbolize Lady Wisdom herself or God) to a "son," imparting wisdom for successful, righteous living. This verse specifically touches upon the relational aspect of wisdom, highlighting its impact not only on the individual but also on those who instruct and care for them. The honor and reputation of the teacher were intrinsically linked to the character and outcome of their students in ancient Israelite culture.

Proverbs 27 11 Word analysis

• My son (בְּנִֽי / benī): A direct and tender form of address, characteristic of Proverbs, signifying a deep personal, familial, or discipleship relationship. It implies authority, affection, and a transfer of legacy or instruction.

• be wise (חְכַם / ḥāḵam): A verb form of the Hebrew "chochmah" (wisdom). It implies actively acquiring, practicing, and embodying skillful, discerning, and morally upright living, rooted in the fear of the Lord. It's not passive knowledge but applied understanding.

• and make my heart glad (וְשַׂמַּ֥ח לִבִּ֑י / wəśammaḥ libbī): An active causation; the son's wisdom causes joy. The "heart" (לֵב / lev) in Hebrew thought encompasses the entire inner person—mind, will, emotions, and moral consciousness. Thus, the son's wise actions bring deep, comprehensive gladness to the parent/teacher.

• that I may answer (לְמַ֨עַן אָשִׁ֖יבָה / ləma‘an ’āšîvâ): Means "in order that I may respond" or "that I may give an answer." It suggests providing a compelling retort, defense, or vindication.

• him who reproaches me (חֹרְפִֽי / ḥorəfî): Refers to someone who taunts, shames, mocks, or brings public disgrace. The root (חָרַף / ḥārap) conveys the idea of stripping bare or exposing to scorn. This adversary challenges the father's credibility or the validity of his teachings.

• Words-group analysis

  • "My son, be wise, and make my heart glad": This phrase links the son's internal state and outward conduct (wisdom) directly to the parent's emotional well-being and sense of fulfillment. It highlights the profound intergenerational connection and the personal investment of the teacher in the student's success. The son's choices have significant emotional consequences for those who love and guide him.
  • "that I may answer him who reproaches me": This indicates the practical and protective outcome of the son's wisdom. The wise life of the son serves as undeniable proof against the slanderer. It defends the honor and validity of the wisdom teacher, silencing criticism and providing an eloquent, living rebuttal to anyone who might question the value of their instruction or the teacher's own integrity.

Proverbs 27 11 Bonus section

• This verse underscores the shared responsibility in spiritual mentoring. While the son is called to wise action, the joy and vindication received by the parent indicate a deep emotional and relational investment in the student's spiritual growth.
• The "reproacher" can be a personification of the world's cynicism towards God's wisdom, which the consistent, wise living of believers refutes. It shows that true wisdom is ultimately practical and discernible.
• The ultimate embodiment of wisdom bringing glory to the Father is Jesus Christ. His perfectly wise and obedient life, even to death on a cross, perfectly answered every reproach against God and humanity, ultimately vindicating God's plan and character (Heb 12:2; 1 Pet 2:23).
• The father's ability to "answer" the reproacher implies a confidence born of conviction and observed reality. It’s not a verbal argument, but a demonstration of principle in practice through the son's life.

Proverbs 27 11 Commentary

Proverbs 27:11 delivers a poignant appeal, grounding the abstract pursuit of wisdom in the tangible realm of relationships and reputation. The plea from a father to his son (or teacher to disciple) to "be wise" is presented not merely as a personal virtue but as an act that brings immense joy and vindication to the one who has invested in their instruction. The son's lived wisdom serves as a living testimony, a defense against the "reproacher"—the one who would mock, belittle, or discredit the wisdom itself, or the one who taught it. In a shame-honor culture, the character and success of a child directly reflected upon their parents.

This verse extends beyond immediate family, offering a model for spiritual parentage and discipleship. The faithfulness and wise conduct of believers bring glory and joy to God, who is our Father (Mal 1:6). Their lives become a testament to the truth of His word, silencing critics and scoffers of the Gospel (Titus 2:8). Just as a father’s name is honored through his son’s character, so too is God’s name glorified through the wise living of His children, providing a divine "answer" to those who scoff at the Way of the Lord. It calls for a life lived not just for oneself, but also for the honor of those who have poured wisdom into them.