My inmost being will rejoice
This phrase reflects the deep emotional and spiritual satisfaction that comes from witnessing righteousness. In biblical context, the "inmost being" often refers to the heart or soul, the core of a person's emotions and moral compass. The joy described here is not superficial but profound, indicating a connection to divine truth. This aligns with the biblical theme that true joy is found in alignment with God's will, as seen in Psalm 16:11, where fullness of joy is found in God's presence.

when your lips speak
The emphasis on speech highlights the power of words in biblical teaching. Proverbs frequently addresses the importance of wise and righteous speech, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, which states that the tongue has the power of life and death. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, oral communication was a primary means of teaching and preserving wisdom. The act of speaking what is right is a reflection of one's inner character and wisdom, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:34, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

what is right
This phrase underscores the biblical principle of righteousness, which is central to the teachings of Proverbs. Righteousness in this context refers to moral integrity and adherence to God's commandments. The Hebrew concept of righteousness (tsedeq) involves justice, truth, and ethical behavior. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls for living in accordance with God's standards, as seen in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. The pursuit of righteousness is also a reflection of the character of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Righteous One in Acts 3:14.

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. The Father
In the context of Proverbs, the father often represents a wise teacher or mentor imparting wisdom to a son or student.

3. The Son/Student
The recipient of the wisdom, often depicted as a young person or learner who is being guided in the ways of righteousness.

4. The Heart (Inmost Being)
In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of emotions, intellect, and will. It represents the core of a person's being.

5. Righteous Speech
The act of speaking truth and righteousness, which is a central theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible.The Joy of Righteous Speech
Speaking what is right brings joy not only to the speaker but also to those who hear it, reflecting the heart's alignment with God's truth.

The Heart's Response to Truth
Our inmost being, or heart, rejoices when we align our speech with righteousness, indicating a deep connection between our words and our spiritual state.

The Role of Mentorship
Just as a father rejoices in a child's right speech, mentors and spiritual leaders find joy in seeing their teachings bear fruit in others' lives.

The Power of Words
Words have the power to uplift and bring joy. As believers, we are called to use our speech to reflect God's truth and righteousness.

Cultivating Righteous Speech
Developing a habit of speaking what is right requires intentionality and reliance on God's wisdom, as found in Scripture.(16) My reins shall rejoice.--These being represented in Hebrew poetry as the seat of the deepest affections, answering to "heart" in Proverbs 23:15. (Comp. Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 12:2; Revelation 2:23.)

Verse 16. - My reins shall rejoice. The "reins" (kelayoth), kidneys, are regarded as the seat of feeling and sensation (Job 19:27). or of the inner nature generally (Psalm 16:7; Revelation 2:22). I shall rejoice in my very soul when thy lips speak right things; i.e. when thy heart is so replete with wisdom, thy mind so well instructed as to utter naught but what is true and sensible (Proverbs 8:6). The composition of these two verses is noteworthy, 15a being parallel to 16b, and. 15b to 16a. Septuagint, "And thy lips shall linger in words (ἐνδιατρίψει λόγοις) with my lips, if they be right," which seems to mean, "If thy lips utter what is right, they will gather wisdom from my words and impart it to others."

Parallel Commentaries ...


My inmost being
כִלְיוֹתָ֑י (ḵil·yō·w·ṯāy)
Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3629: A kidney, the mind

will rejoice
וְתַעְלֹ֥זְנָה (wə·ṯa‘·lō·zə·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 5937: To jump for, joy, exult

when your lips
שְׂ֝פָתֶ֗יךָ (p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

speak
בְּדַבֵּ֥ר (bə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

what is right.
מֵישָׁרִֽים׃ (mê·šā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4339: Evenness, prosperity, concord, straightness, rectitude


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:16 Yes my heart will rejoice when your (Prov. Pro Pr)