Proverbs 23:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.

NIV: My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed;

NASB: My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad,

CSB: My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice.

NLT: My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!

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

NKJV: My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

This is the twelfth of thirty wise sayings compiled by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Here, he speaks to his "son," possibly meaning a student. Teachers and parents feel a legitimate, godly sense of pride when their students and children make beneficial use of their lessons. This statement comes immediately after one of this book's many endorsements of proper child discipline (Proverbs 23:13–14). Proper, loving discipline directs a child towards godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:1–7; 3:1–5).

In most modern languages, references to the "heart" imply sentiments. That's also true in Scripture, though in the ancient world the heart was thought of as the seat of both intellect and emotions. Both sides are at work in this verse; a person with a "wise heart" is one whose thoughts and attitudes reflect the will of God (Romans 12:1–2). A parent who sees their children living sensibly and with godliness will feel a sense of happiness and joy.

The New Testament believer who is wise has the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14–16). Also, he detests sin and loves righteousness (Hebrews 1:9; Romans 6:11). He rejoices not in iniquity but in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). He loves God and God's Word (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 John 4:13–21). A wise son causes his parents to rejoice. The apostle John writes to "the elect lady and her children" (2 John 1:1) and says, "I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as were commanded by the Father" (2 John 1:4). A father and mother experience extraordinary joy when they see their son or daughter walking in righteousness as good ambassadors for Jesus Christ. In contrast, it's heartbreaking to watch your children choose evil (Proverbs 17:25; 19:26; 28:7).

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.