Proverbs 27:11

11 Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad, and I will answer him who reproaches me [with] a word.

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 Perfume and incense will gladden a heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend [is] {personal advice}.

10 As for your friend and a friend of your father, do not forsake [them], and the house of your brother, do not enter on the day of your calamity. Better is a close neighbor than a distant brother.

11 Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad, and I will answer him who reproaches me [with] a word.

12 [When] the clever sees danger, he hides; the simple go on [and] suffer.

13 Take his garment, for he gives surety [to] a stranger, and to {an adulteress}--[so] take his pledge.