Proverbs 27:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.

NIV: Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

NASB: Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, So that I may reply to one who taunts me.

CSB: Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy, so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.

NLT: Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.

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

NKJV: My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.

A child's behavior reflects on their parents: sons and daughters who act badly bring shame on their father and mother (Proverbs 17:25; 19:26). That's not always fair, since well-raised children can still make poor choices. But, right or wrong, the conduct of children is attributed to their upbringing. In a less-direct way, students are reflections of their teachers. Both concepts seem to apply to this lesson. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) calls on his "son," possibly meaning a student, to embrace wisdom to silence those who criticize Solomon's teaching. A wisely living child would not only bring Solomon joy but would also provide an immediate response to those slandering Solomon's teaching.

Just as a child's actions influence their parents' reputation—fair or not—the same is true of self-labelled Christians and the reputation of Jesus Christ. What we do reflects on our heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 exhorts believers to "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." The apostle Paul gives a similar encouragement in Philippians 2:14–15: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

Proverbs 27:7–22 continues Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:1). He reflects on wealth, poverty, friendship, the wisdom of staying away from danger, good neighborly relationships, a nagging spouse, responsibility, and the tendency of foolish people to cling to their errors.

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

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.