Proverbs 27:11
New International Version
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

New Living Translation
Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.

English Standard Version
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.

Berean Standard Bible
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.

King James Bible
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

New King James Version
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.

New American Standard Bible
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, So that I may reply to one who taunts me.

NASB 1995
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me.

NASB 1977
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may respond with a word to him who reproaches me.

Amplified Bible
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches (reprimands, criticizes) me.

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy, so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.

American Standard Version
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me.

Contemporary English Version
My child, show good sense! Then I will be happy and able to answer anyone who criticizes me.

English Revised Version
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad so that I can answer anyone who criticizes me.

Good News Translation
Be wise, my child, and I will be happy; I will have an answer for anyone who criticizes me.

International Standard Version
Be wise, my son, and make me happy, so I can reply to anyone who insults me.

Majority Standard Bible
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.

NET Bible
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer anyone who taunts me.

New Heart English Bible
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.

Webster's Bible Translation
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

World English Bible
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, "" And I return a word [to] my reproacher.

Young's Literal Translation
Be wise, my son, and rejoice my heart. And I return my reproacher a word.

Smith's Literal Translation
My son, be wise and gladden my heart, and I will turn back word to him reproaching me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Study wisdom, my son, and make my heart joyful, that thou mayst give an answer to him that reproacheth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
My son, study wisdom, and rejoice my heart, so that you may be able to respond to the one who reproaches.

New American Bible
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer whoever taunts me.

New Revised Standard Version
Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer whoever reproaches me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, and remove from me the reproach of those who reproach me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Be wise my son, and gladden my heart, and remove from me the reproach of those who reproach me.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that taunteth me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Son, be wise, that thy heart may rejoice; and remove thou from thyself reproachful words.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Do not Boast about Tomorrow
10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me. 12The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.…

Cross References
Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.

Proverbs 23:15-16
My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice. / My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

Proverbs 23:24-25
The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. / May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!

Proverbs 29:3
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Proverbs 15:20
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 17:21
A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.

Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Proverbs 19:13
A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

Proverbs 19:26
He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

Proverbs 28:7
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Philippians 2:15
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world


Treasury of Scripture

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

be wise

Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 15:20
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Proverbs 23:15,16,24,25
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine…

2 John 1:4
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

that I

Psalm 119:42
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

Psalm 127:4,5
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth…

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Contempt Glad Heart Joy Puts Rejoice Reproacher Reproaches Reproacheth Shame Taunteth Treats Wherewith Wise Word
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Contempt Glad Heart Joy Puts Rejoice Reproacher Reproaches Reproacheth Shame Taunteth Treats Wherewith Wise Word
Proverbs 27
1. observations of self love
5. of true love
11. of care to avoid offenses
23. and of the household care














Be wise
The Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכַם" (chakam), which implies not just possessing knowledge but applying it in a way that is righteous and discerning. Wisdom in the biblical sense is deeply rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). It is a call to live a life that reflects God's character and commands. In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is often portrayed as a path to life and prosperity, contrasting with the folly that leads to destruction. This exhortation to "be wise" is a call to embrace a lifestyle that honors God and reflects His truth.

my son
The phrase "my son" is a term of endearment and instruction, often used in Proverbs to convey a personal and intimate relationship between the teacher and the learner. It reflects the familial context in which wisdom is passed down, emphasizing the importance of generational teaching and the responsibility of parents to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. This phrase also highlights the relational aspect of wisdom, suggesting that it is not just about individual understanding but about community and family.

and bring joy to my heart
The Hebrew word for "joy" is "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah), which denotes a deep, abiding gladness. In the biblical context, joy is often associated with the presence and favor of God. When a son acts wisely, it brings profound joy to the heart of the parent, reflecting the fulfillment of parental hopes and the continuation of godly legacy. This joy is not merely emotional but is tied to the spiritual well-being and success of the child, which in turn reflects on the family and community.

so that I can answer
The phrase "so that I can answer" suggests a readiness to respond or defend. In the ancient Near Eastern context, one's family and children were often seen as a reflection of one's honor and reputation. The ability to "answer" implies having a defense or a testimony that upholds one's integrity and standing in the community. It underscores the idea that the actions of the son have broader implications beyond the immediate family, affecting the social and spiritual reputation of the parent.

him who taunts me
The word "taunts" comes from the Hebrew "חָרַף" (charaph), which means to reproach or scorn. In biblical times, taunting was a serious matter, often involving public shame or dishonor. The presence of a wise son serves as a rebuttal to those who would seek to undermine or ridicule the parent's faith or values. This phrase highlights the spiritual battle between righteousness and wickedness, where the godly life of a child can silence the critics and uphold the truth of God's ways. It is a reminder of the communal and spiritual dimensions of personal conduct, where individual actions have the power to influence and defend the faith community.

(11) My son.--The address of a father to his son, or master to pupil.

That I may answer him that reproacheth me for having brought you up badly when he sees you ignorant or ill-behaved. So Christians are exhorted to let their "light so shine before men" that their Father in heaven may be thereby glorified (Matthew 5:16).

Verse 11. - My son, be wise, and make my heart glad. The exhortation of a father to his son, or of a teacher to his pupil. Such address is not found elsewhere in this latter portion of the book, though common in previous parts. Delitzsch translates, "become wise." Σοφὸς γίνου, Septuagint. Such development of wisdom delights a father's heart, as Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 23:15, 24. That I may answer him that reproacheth me (Psalm 119:42; comp. Psalm 127:5; Ecclus. 30:2). If the pupil did not show wisdom and morality in his conduct, the teacher would incur blame for the apparent failure of his education; whereas the high tone of the disciple might be appealed to as a proof of the merit and efficacy of the tutor's discipline. On the other hand, the evil doings of Hebrews often made the Name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles; just as nowadays the inconsistent lives of Christians are the greatest impediment to the success of missionary efforts in heathen countries. St. Jerome has, Ut possis exprobanti respondere sermonem. So Septuagint, "And remove from thyself reproachful words." But the first person is in accordance with the Hebrew.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Be wise,
חֲכַ֣ם (ḥă·ḵam)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2449: To be wise

my son,
בְּ֭נִי (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

and bring joy
וְשַׂמַּ֣ח (wə·śam·maḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8056: Glad, joyful, merry

to my heart,
לִבִּ֑י (lib·bî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

so that I can answer
וְאָשִׁ֖יבָה (wə·’ā·šî·ḇāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

him who taunts me.
חֹרְפִ֣י (ḥō·rə·p̄î)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2778: To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:11 Be wise my son and bring joy (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 27:10
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