Proverbs 23:16

16 My ¹inmost being^[a] will exult when your lips speak ²what is right.

Proverbs 23:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:16

Yea, my reins shall rejoice
Which is only another phrase expressive of the same thing, and confirming the greatness of joy on the above occasion; not only his heart rejoiced, which was affectionately concerned for his son, near which he lay, the desires of which were frequently drawn out for his good, but his reins also; the seat of the afflictions rejoiced at it; showing how vehement, sincere, and hearty the joy was; when thy lips speak right things;
as they will, when the heart is wise; things agreeably to right reason, to the Scriptures of truth, the oracles of God; to the law and to the testimony; to the Gospel of Christ, and the doctrines of it; and such things as are savoury, pleasant, and profitable, and minister grace to the hearers. The Targum is,

``when my lips speak right things;''

see ( Proverbs 8:6 ) .

Proverbs 23:16 In-Context

14 If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.

16 My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.

17 Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

18 Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Cross References

• 1. 23:16 Ps. 7:9; 73:21
• 2. 23:16 [ch. 8:6]

Footnotes

• [a] 23:16 Hebrew 'My kidneys'