Proverbs 23:15
Proverbs 23:15 in Multiple Translations
My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
My son, if thy heart be wise, My heart will be glad, even mine:
My son, if your heart becomes wise, I, even I, will be glad in heart;
My son, if you think wisely then I'll be happy;
My sonne, if thine heart be wise, mine heart shall reioyce, and I also.
My son, if thy heart hath been wise, My heart rejoiceth, even mine,
My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine.
My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
My son, if thy mind be wise, my heart shall rejoice with thee:
My son/child, if you [SYN] become wise, I [SYN] will be very happy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ֭נִ/י
אִם
חָכַ֣ם
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
יִשְׂמַ֖ח
לִבִּ֣/י
גַם
אָֽנִי
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
חָכַ֣ם
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
יִשְׂמַ֖ח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִבִּ֣/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
גַם
gam
H1571
also
Adv
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:15
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
חָכַ֣ם
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
יִשְׂמַ֖ח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
לִבִּ֣/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:15
Context — Saying 14
13Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
14Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol.
15My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.
16My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. 17Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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! |
| 2 | 2 John 1:4 | I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:3 | A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. |
| 4 | 3 John 1:3–4 | For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 3:8–9 | For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence? |
| 6 | Zephaniah 3:17 | The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 2:1 | My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, |
| 8 | Proverbs 4:1 | Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. |
| 9 | 1 John 2:1 | My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. |
| 10 | Proverbs 15:20 | A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. |
Proverbs 23:15 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we make wise choices and live according to God's ways, it brings great joy to those who care about us, including our heavenly Father. As it says in Proverbs 23:15, 'My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.' This is similar to what we see in Proverbs 10:1, which says, 'A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.' By seeking God's wisdom and living according to His Word, we can bring joy to those around us and honor God at the same time.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for my heart to be wise?
Having a wise heart means to have a deep understanding and reverence for God's ways, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, where it says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
Why would the parent's heart rejoice if their child's heart is wise?
The parent's heart rejoices because a wise child brings honor and glory to God, and also because the parent knows their child will make good decisions and live a life pleasing to God, as mentioned in Proverbs 10:1, which says, 'A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.'
Is this verse only talking about children and parents, or is there a broader application?
While the verse is addressed to a child, the principle applies to all believers, as we are all children of God, and He delights in our wisdom and obedience, as seen in Proverbs 15:3, which says, 'The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.'
How can I cultivate a wise heart like the one described in this verse?
Cultivating a wise heart involves seeking God's wisdom through prayer, reading His Word, and obeying His commands, as encouraged in James 1:5, which says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate wisdom in my daily life, and how will this bring joy to my heavenly Father?
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek God's wisdom and guidance, and how can I apply His wisdom to those situations?
- How can I balance the desire for my own happiness with the desire to bring joy to God's heart through my wise decisions and actions?
- What are some practical steps I can take to develop a deeper understanding and reverence for God's ways, and to cultivate a wise heart like the one described in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:15
My son, if thine heart be wise,.... To that which is good; so as from it to understand in a spiritual and experimental manner things divine and heavenly; he may be said to have a wise heart who knows
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:15
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice. Resumption of the appeal, Proverbs 22:19.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:15
In the good success of my counsels, and in thy piety and happiness, which is as truly desirable and pleasant to me as my own.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:15
Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.Ver. 15. My son, if thine heart be wise.] Si vexatio det intellectum, if either by instruction or correction I may make thee wise or well spoken, Bonum virum, dicendi peritum - as Quintilian’ s orator - totus laetitia dissiliam, I shall be a joyful man indeed. St John had no greater joy than to hear that his children walked in the truth. And St Paul could never be thankful enough for such a mercy. Even mine.] Or, Even as I - viz., was a comfort to my parents.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:15
Another continuous exhortation rather than a collection of maxims. Proverbs 23:16 The teacher rejoices when the disciple’s heart Proverbs 23:15 receives wisdom, and yet more when his lips can utter it. Reins - See Job 19:27 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:15
15, 16. Heart and reins are used interchangeably. Cp. Psalms 16:7; Psalms 17:3.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith gives fatherly exhortations and advice to his son. He emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in the crowd of drinkers and gluttons, a |
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Perilous Times Shall Come by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth, even at the cost of one's life. He references the story of Leonard Ravenhill, who sang praises to God |
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A Truly Wealthy Man by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discipline and godly parenting. He shares a personal story of witnessing a mother and her joyful son in the congregation, |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
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(Through the Bible) 2 & 3 John by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concepts of mercy, grace, and peace that come from God. He explains that mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve, while grace i |
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To the Beloved Gaius by Bob Bruton | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Third John and highlights several important lessons. The preacher emphasizes the importance of promoting fellowship and not deny |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 05 - Love & Righteousness by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the entire series in numerical order to fully understand the teachings. He warns against living a selfish life |