Proverbs 27:11

11 My son, be wise and make my heart glad, so that I may give back an answer to him who puts me to shame.

Proverbs 27:11 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:11

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad
That is, show thyself to be a wise man by thy words and actions; endeavour to get a good share of wisdom and knowledge, and make a good use of it, and that will rejoice my heart; as nothing more gladdens the heart of a parent than the wisdom and prudent behaviour of his son; see ( Proverbs 10:1 ) ( Proverbs 23:15 Proverbs 23:24 Proverbs 23:25 ) ;

that I may answer him that reproacheth me;
with begetting a foolish son, or a wicked man; or making him such by ill examples; or through neglect of education; or by using too much severity in it.

Proverbs 27:11 In-Context

9 Oil and perfume make glad the heart, and the wise suggestion of a friend is sweet to the soul.

10 Do not give up your friend and your father's friend; and do not go into your brother's house in the day of your trouble: better is a neighbour who is near than a brother far off.

11 My son, be wise and make my heart glad, so that I may give back an answer to him who puts me to shame.

12 The sharp man sees the evil and takes cover: the simple go straight on and get into trouble.

13 Take a man's clothing if he makes himself responsible for a strange man, and get an undertaking from him who gives his word for strange men.