Proverbs 23:16

KJV

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, my reins {H3629} shall rejoice {H5937}, when thy lips {H8193} speak {H1696} right things {H4339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

my inmost being rejoices when your lips say what is right.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Yea, my heart will rejoice, When thy lips speak right things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:16 expresses the profound, visceral joy a mentor, likely a father, experiences when his student or child demonstrates genuine wisdom and moral rectitude through their speech. It highlights the deep satisfaction derived from seeing one's instruction bear fruit in the articulate and righteous communication of another, underscoring the spiritual reward of diligent discipleship and the transformative power of truth spoken from the heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within a larger collection of "words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a section distinct from the earlier Solomonic proverbs. These chapters often take the form of direct address from a father to his son, offering practical and ethical instruction for living a life pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and society. The immediate verses preceding Proverbs 23:16 include warnings against gluttony (Proverbs 23:1-3), the pursuit of fleeting riches (Proverbs 23:4-5), and associating with the envious (Proverbs 23:6-8). In contrast, verses like Proverbs 23:15-16 pivot to express the deep satisfaction a father finds in his son's wisdom. This particular verse serves as a climactic expression of parental delight, emphasizing that the ultimate reward for instruction is not material gain, but the son's embrace and articulation of truth, forming a powerful relational and pedagogical climax.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed immense value on wisdom, which was understood not merely as intellectual knowledge but as skill in living righteously and successfully according to God's covenant. The father-son pedagogical model was central to transmitting this wisdom across generations, often occurring within the home and community. The concept of "reins" (kidneys) as the seat of the deepest emotions, conscience, and inner being was a common Hebrew idiom, reflecting a holistic understanding of the human person where physical organs were associated with spiritual and emotional functions. In an oral culture, the spoken word carried significant weight; a person's "lips" were the primary vehicle for expressing their inner character and wisdom. Therefore, "speaking right things" was a public demonstration of one's alignment with divine truth and societal virtue, bringing honor to both the speaker and their instructor.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:16 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **profound joy of a mentor** (or parent) in the successful moral and spiritual development of their student (or child). This joy is depicted as deeply internal and visceral, stemming from the student's embodiment of wisdom. Secondly, the verse highlights the **intrinsic value of wise and righteous speech**. It's not just about knowing wisdom, but articulating it, affirming that true wisdom finds its expression in words that are truthful, just, and edifying. This echoes the broader biblical emphasis on the power of the tongue, as seen in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **integrity of heart and lips**, suggesting that genuinely "right things" spoken from the "lips" originate from a pure and wise "reins" (inner being). This connection between inner character and outward expression is a recurring biblical motif, famously articulated by Jesus in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks"), where He states that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." The verse thus celebrates the culmination of diligent instruction in the student's virtuous and discerning communication.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reins (Hebrew, _kilyâh'_):** From H3629, this feminine noun (always plural in form) literally refers to the kidneys. In ancient Hebrew thought, the "reins" were metaphorically considered the seat of the deepest emotions, affections, conscience, and innermost thoughts. Unlike the heart, which often represented the will or intellect, the reins were associated with the most hidden and sensitive parts of one's being. Thus, "my reins shall rejoice" signifies a profound, gut-level, and deeply personal satisfaction that permeates the very core of the speaker's inner self.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _ʻâlaz'_):** From H5937, this primitive root means "to jump for joy," "to exult," or "to triumph." It denotes an exuberant, unreserved expression of joy, often associated with victory or great delight. When applied to the "reins," it conveys an intense, overflowing gladness that is not merely intellectual but deeply emotional and celebratory. The mentor's joy is not a mild pleasure but a triumphant exultation.
* **right things (Hebrew, _mêyshâr'_):** From H4339, this noun (often plural with a singular sense) denotes "evenness," "straightness," "rectitude," "equity," or "prosperity." When applied to speech, "right things" refers to words that are truthful, just, equitable, morally sound, and aligned with divine wisdom and ethical principles. It implies speech that is not crooked, deceitful, or misleading, but rather upright, honest, and beneficial, reflecting a character of integrity and discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, my reins shall rejoice,"**: The interjection "Yea" (or "Indeed") emphasizes the certainty and depth of the speaker's feeling. The "reins," as discussed in the key word analysis, represent the deepest, most intimate part of the speaker's being—their innermost affections and conscience. The verb "shall rejoice" indicates a profound, exultant, and visceral joy. This clause conveys the intense, personal satisfaction a mentor feels, not merely a superficial pleasure, but a deep, internal delight that resonates through their very core.
* **"when thy lips speak right things."**: This clause specifies the condition or cause for the mentor's rejoicing. "Thy lips" refer to the speech of the student or son, the outward expression of their inner character and wisdom. "Speak right things" means to articulate truth, justice, wisdom, and moral rectitude. These are words that are upright, honest, equitable, and in alignment with God's principles. The mentor's joy is contingent upon the student's demonstration of genuine wisdom and integrity through their verbal communication, signifying that the instruction has been received, internalized, and is now being expressed outwardly for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:16 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metonymy** is prominent, where "reins" (kidneys) are used to represent the deepest part of one's being, the seat of emotions and conscience, rather than the physical organs themselves. Similarly, "lips" stand metonymically for the entirety of one's speech or verbal expression. This allows for a concise yet profound connection between the inner self and outward communication. The phrase "my reins shall rejoice" also utilizes **personification**, attributing the human emotion of joy to an internal organ, further emphasizing the depth and visceral nature of the mentor's delight. As a proverb, the verse functions as a piece of **didacticism**, offering a concise, memorable statement designed to teach a moral lesson about the reciprocal joy found in the transmission and reception of wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb beautifully illustrates the divine delight in wisdom and righteousness, reflecting God's own pleasure when His children walk in truth and speak words that honor Him. Just as an earthly father rejoices in his son's wise speech, so too does our heavenly Father delight when our lives and words reflect His character and truth. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine faith and wisdom are not merely internal states but are expressed outwardly, particularly through our communication. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse, and when they are aligned with God's "right things," they bring profound joy to the heart of God and those who have invested in our spiritual formation. This verse also implicitly highlights the value of discipleship and mentorship within the community of faith, affirming that the ultimate reward for pouring into others is seeing them mature in wisdom and articulate truth.

* [Proverbs 10:1](/proverbs/10-1 "Proverbs 10:1 - A Wise Son Makes a Glad Father")
* [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - The Good Man Brings Forth Good Things")
* [Psalm 19:8](/psalms/19-8 "Psalm 19:8 - The Statutes of the Lord are Right")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:16 offers timeless encouragement and challenge for every believer, whether in the role of a mentor or a learner. For those who teach, parent, or disciple, this verse provides a profound spiritual incentive: the greatest reward for your diligent investment in others is not material, but the deep, internal joy of seeing them embrace and articulate truth. It reminds us that our labor in love is not in vain, and that the spiritual maturity of those we guide brings a unique and unparalleled satisfaction to our "reins." For those who are learning or being discipled, it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of our words. Our speech is not merely a reflection of our thoughts but can be a source of immense joy and validation for those who have poured into us. Strive to speak "right things"—words that are truthful, edifying, gracious, and aligned with God's wisdom—knowing that such speech brings delight to your spiritual parents and, more importantly, to your Heavenly Father. Let your lips be instruments of truth and blessing, demonstrating that the wisdom you have received has taken deep root in your heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for my "reins" to rejoice, and how can I cultivate such deep joy in my spiritual relationships?**
* **In what ways do my "lips speak right things" in my daily interactions, and where might I need to grow in speaking truth and wisdom?**
* **How can I, as a mentor or parent, better foster an environment where my students or children are encouraged to speak "right things"?**
* **As a learner or child, how can I honor those who have invested in me by demonstrating wisdom in my speech?**

### FAQ
**What does "reins" mean in Proverbs 23:16?**

Answer: In Proverbs 23:16, "reins" (Hebrew: *kilyâh*) refers to the kidneys. However, in ancient Hebrew thought, the kidneys were metaphorically understood as the seat of the deepest emotions, conscience, and innermost thoughts. It represents the very core of one's being, the most hidden and sensitive part of the inner self. Therefore, "my reins shall rejoice" signifies a profound, gut-level, and deeply personal satisfaction that permeates the speaker's entire being, not just a superficial happiness. This idiom is similar to how we might use "heart" or "gut" today to describe deep feelings.

**How does this verse apply to modern parenting or mentoring?**

Answer: This verse profoundly applies to modern parenting and mentoring by highlighting the ultimate reward for diligent instruction. For parents, it affirms that the deepest joy comes not from a child's material success, but from their moral and spiritual integrity, particularly as expressed through wise and truthful speech. For mentors, it underscores the immense satisfaction of seeing a disciple internalize wisdom and articulate it effectively, demonstrating genuine growth. It encourages parents and mentors to prioritize the spiritual and character formation of those under their care, knowing that such investment yields a profound, internal delight that far surpasses any fleeting external reward. It reminds us that our teaching aims for transformation that manifests in righteous living and speaking, echoing the joy a wise son brings to his father in [Proverbs 10:1](/proverbs/10-1 "Proverbs 10:1 - A Wise Son Makes a Glad Father").

**What are "right things" in a biblical sense?**

Answer: In a biblical sense, "right things" (Hebrew: *mêyshâr*) refers to words that are truthful, just, equitable, morally sound, and aligned with divine wisdom and ethical principles. It implies speech that is not crooked, deceitful, or misleading, but rather upright, honest, and beneficial. These are words that reflect integrity of character, promote righteousness, and build up rather than tear down. They are words that are in harmony with God's revealed will and His character, bringing glory to Him and blessing to others. This concept is foundational to biblical wisdom, which always connects inner character with outward expression, as seen in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:16 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the embodiment of all wisdom and truth. He is the Son in whom the Father's "reins" eternally rejoice, for His "lips" always spoke "right things"—indeed, His very being *is* the Right Thing. From His perfect obedience to the Father's will (as seen in passages like [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - I Always Do What Pleases Him")), to His words of grace and truth that astonished all who heard them (as testified in [John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man")), Jesus perfectly fulfilled the ideal of speaking "right things." The Father's declaration at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus") and [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")), is the ultimate expression of the "rejoicing" described in this proverb. As believers, we are called to be conformed to the image of Christ, who is the wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")). Through our union with Him by the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to put off corrupting talk and instead speak "only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Let No Corrupting Talk Come Out of Your Mouths")), thus bringing joy to the heart of our Heavenly Father as our lips, transformed by His grace, speak His "right things."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 8:6

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things.

Ephesians 5:4

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

Colossians 4:4

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.