Proverbs 27:11

11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.

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 incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

10 Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.

12 The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

13 Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.