Proverbs 27:11

11 Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy, so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.^[a]

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 sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.

10 Don't abandon your friend or your father's friend, and don't go to your brother's house in your time of calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

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

12 The sensible see danger and take cover; the foolish keep going and are punished.

13 Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 10:1; 23:24-25; 29:3