Proverbs 27:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

My son {H1121}, be wise {H2449}, and make my heart {H3820} glad {H8055}, that I may answer {H7725}{H1697} him that reproacheth {H2778} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

My son, become wise, and gladden my heart, so that I can answer my critics.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:11 presents a heartfelt appeal from a parental figure or mentor to their child or disciple, urging them to embrace wisdom. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical, leading to righteous living that brings profound joy and vindication to the one who has invested in their instruction. The verse highlights the profound interconnectedness between an individual's character and the honor of their family or teacher, asserting that a wise life provides a powerful defense against those who would bring shame or accusation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25-29), which often focus on practical wisdom for daily living, social interactions, and personal character. This particular chapter contains a series of independent, pithy sayings that touch on themes like friendship, self-control, diligence, and the dangers of pride. Verse 11, with its direct address "My son," fits within the common pedagogical framework of Proverbs, where wisdom is often conveyed through a father-to-son discourse. It immediately precedes proverbs about the value of good counsel and the consequences of foolishness, underscoring the importance of the son's adherence to wise instruction for both personal well-being and the honor of his household.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, honor and shame were paramount. An individual's reputation was inextricably linked to their family, and the conduct of children directly reflected upon their parents. A wise and successful child brought honor, while a foolish or wayward one could bring deep shame and reproach upon the entire family line. This cultural reality explains the intensity of the father's plea; his own standing and legacy were, in part, validated or undermined by his son's choices. The concept of "reproach" (Hebrew: *cherpah*) was a public shaming, a verbal assault on one's character or standing, often implying a failure in upbringing or moral rectitude. The ability to "answer" such reproach was crucial for maintaining social dignity and familial honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. The overarching theme is the **value of wisdom**, not as abstract knowledge but as practical discernment that leads to righteous living and flourishing. The call to "be wise" is a call to align one's life with God's established order. Secondly, it highlights the **intergenerational impact of character**, showing how a child's wisdom brings **parental joy and vindication**. This theme is echoed in other proverbs, such as [Proverbs 10:1](/proverbs/10-1 "Proverbs 10:1 - A Wise Son Makes a Glad Father") which states, "A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." Finally, the verse underscores the importance of **reputation and legacy**, demonstrating how personal conduct contributes to or detracts from the honor of one's family and community, enabling the parent to confidently "answer him that reproacheth me." This social dimension of wisdom was vital in a society where collective identity was as significant as individual identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **My son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this term signifies a literal son, but in the wisdom literature, it also broadly refers to a disciple or one under instruction. It emphasizes a relationship of intimate tutelage and deep affection, highlighting the personal investment of the teacher in the student's life. The father's address is not merely a command but an appeal rooted in this profound relational bond.
* **be wise (Hebrew, _châkam'_):** From H2449, this primitive root means "to be wise (in mind, word or act)." It encompasses more than mere intellectual acuity; it refers to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to live skillfully and righteously in accordance with God's truth. It implies a moral and ethical wisdom that shapes one's choices and conduct.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, this term refers to the innermost being of a person—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. When the son's wisdom makes the father's "heart glad," it signifies a deep, comprehensive joy that touches the core of his being, validating his efforts and expressing profound satisfaction in his son's righteous path.
* **reproacheth (Hebrew, _châraph'_):** From H2778, this root means "to pull off," "expose," or "defame." It signifies to taunt, scorn, insult, or put to shame. In this context, it refers to public accusation or criticism directed at the father, likely concerning his parenting, his values, or the character of his household. The son's wisdom provides the counter-argument to such public shaming.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My son, be wise,"**: This is the direct, intimate address and the primary exhortation. It sets the tone as a paternal instruction, emphasizing the personal and moral imperative for the "son" (whether literal or a disciple) to cultivate and embody practical wisdom in his life. This wisdom is presented as a foundational virtue.
* **"and make my heart glad,"**: This clause reveals the profound emotional and relational consequence of the son's wisdom. The father's joy is directly tied to the son's adherence to wisdom. This gladness is not superficial but deeply rooted in the father's "heart," the core of his being, signifying satisfaction and affirmation of his efforts as a mentor.
* **"that I may answer him that reproacheth me."**: This final clause explains the ultimate purpose and benefit of the son's wisdom for the father. The son's righteous conduct provides the father with the necessary defense or vindication against those who would publicly criticize, shame, or accuse him. The son's life becomes a living testimony to the father's character and the efficacy of his instruction, silencing detractors.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:11 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to "My son," which establishes an intimate, pedagogical tone characteristic of the wisdom literature and makes the counsel personal and urgent. The phrase "make my heart glad" uses **Personification**, attributing the capacity for joy directly to the father's "heart," which represents his innermost being and emotions. This emphasizes the deep, visceral impact of the son's choices. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear example of **Cause and Effect**: the son's wisdom (cause) leads to the father's gladness (effect), which in turn enables the father to answer reproach (further effect). This logical progression highlights the tangible benefits of righteous living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 27:11 beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that personal righteousness has far-reaching implications, extending beyond the individual to impact those who have invested in their spiritual and moral formation. It underscores the communal and relational dimensions of wisdom, demonstrating how a life lived in accordance with God's truth brings honor not only to the individual but also to their family, mentors, and ultimately, to God Himself. The father's desire for vindication against reproach highlights the importance of living a life that silences critics through its integrity and fruitfulness, a theme echoed in the New Testament concerning Christian conduct.

* [Proverbs 23:24](/proverbs/23-24 "The Joy of a Wise Child")
* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "Those Who Honor God Will Be Honored")
* [Titus 2:7-8](/titus/2-7 "Living Blamelessly to Silence Opponents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:11 calls us to a profound sense of responsibility for how our lives reflect on those who have poured into us, whether parents, teachers, mentors, or even the church and God Himself. Our choices are never purely individual; they carry a ripple effect. When we live wisely, demonstrating integrity, diligence, and faithfulness, we bring joy and honor to those who have guided us, enabling them to stand confidently in the face of criticism. Conversely, foolish or ungodly behavior can bring shame and discredit. This verse encourages us to consider our lives as a testimony—a living answer to those who might question the values we claim or the faith we profess. It motivates us to strive for excellence in character, not out of a desire for human praise, but out of love and honor for those who have invested in us, and supremely, for God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my current choices bring joy or concern to those who have invested in my life (parents, mentors, spiritual leaders)?**
* **How does my conduct serve as a "testimony" to the values I claim to uphold, particularly my faith?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I need to "be wise" more intentionally, knowing the impact it has on others' reputation and joy?**
* **How can I live in such a way that my life becomes a compelling "answer" to any reproach against the truth or against those who have taught me?**

### FAQ
**What does "reproacheth me" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Proverbs 27:11, "reproacheth me" refers to someone who publicly shames, criticizes, or insults the father or mentor. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a person's honor and reputation were deeply tied to their family, especially their children. If a child acted foolishly or disgracefully, it brought "reproach" (Hebrew: *cherpah*) upon the parent, implying a failure in their upbringing or character. The father's desire to "answer" this reproach means he wants to be able to defend his integrity and the effectiveness of his instruction, which the son's wise conduct provides. It's about vindication against public accusation.

**How does a son's wisdom make a father's heart glad?**

Answer: A son's wisdom brings deep gladness to a father's heart in several ways. Primarily, it signifies that the father's teachings and values have been successfully imparted and embraced. This brings a profound sense of fulfillment and validation to the parent's efforts. Beyond personal satisfaction, a wise son's upright conduct also brings honor and respect to the family name, allowing the father to stand confidently in the community. This joy is not just emotional but also reputational, as the son's life becomes a testament to the father's character and guidance, as seen in [Proverbs 23:24](/proverbs/23-24 "The Joy of a Wise Child") which states, "The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the eternally wise Son, Jesus perfectly embodied wisdom in every thought, word, and deed, bringing immeasurable gladness to the heart of His Father. His life of perfect obedience and righteousness was the ultimate "answer" to every reproach against God's character and purposes. When Satan, the accuser of the brethren, reproached humanity and even God's justice, Christ's sinless life and atoning death provided the definitive vindication. Through His wisdom, manifested in His perfect life and sacrificial obedience, Jesus silenced the accusations of the enemy and demonstrated the Father's glory and righteousness. Furthermore, as believers, we are called to be "sons" and "daughters" of God, and when we walk in the wisdom that is from above, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we bring glory to our Heavenly Father. Our transformed lives, marked by Christ-like character, become a living testimony that enables God to "answer him that reproacheth Him," silencing the critics of the Gospel and demonstrating the power of His grace, as [1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "Living Honorably Among Gentiles") encourages us to "have your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." Our wise living, therefore, is a participation in Christ's own vindication of the Father.

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 10:1

¶ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 23:15

My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

Proverbs 23:16

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

Psalms 119:42

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

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.

Proverbs 23:24

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him.

Proverbs 23:25

Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.