Proverbs 27:11

11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches 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 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, Nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.

12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished.

13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.