Proverbs 27:11
Proverbs 27:11 in Multiple Translations
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me.
My son, be wise and make my heart glad, so that I may give back an answer to him who puts me to shame.
My son, make me happy by being wise, so I can respond to anyone who criticizes me.
My sonne, be wise, and reioyce mine heart, that I may answere him that reprocheth me.
Be wise, my son, and rejoice my heart. And I return my reproacher a word.
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
Study wisdom, my son, and make my heart joyful, that thou mayst give an answer to him that reproacheth.
My child/son, cause me to be happy by becoming wise, in order that I will know how to reply to those who would criticize me about your behavior.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:11
BAB
Word Study
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Proverbs 27:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֲכַ֣ם
בְּ֭נִ/י
וְ/שַׂמַּ֣ח
לִבִּ֑/י
וְ/אָשִׁ֖יבָה
חֹרְפִ֣/י
דָבָֽר
חֲכַ֣ם
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וְ/שַׂמַּ֣ח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אָשִׁ֖יבָה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
חֹרְפִ֣/י
châraph
H2778
to taunt
V-Qal | Suff
דָבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:11
חֲכַ֣ם
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
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.
וְ/שַׂמַּ֣ח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
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.
לִבִּ֑/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.
וְ/אָשִׁ֖יבָה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
חֹרְפִ֣/י
châraph
H2778
"to taunt"
V-Qal | Suff
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
דָבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:11
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.
12The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. 13Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:1 | The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:42 | Then I can answer him who taunts, for I trust in Your word. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:15–16 | My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice. My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. |
| 4 | 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! |
| 5 | 2 John 1:4 | I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 2:18–21 | I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:20 | A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. |
| 8 | Proverbs 29:3 | A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. |
| 9 | Philemon 1:19–20 | I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self. Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. |
| 10 | Philemon 1:7 | I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. |
Proverbs 27:11 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we make wise choices and live in a way that honors God, it brings joy to those who care about us, like our parents. As it says in Proverbs 10:1, 'A wise son brings joy to his father', and this is especially important when others are criticizing or taunting us. By living wisely, we can show them that we are living for God and that He is our strength and guide, just like it says in Psalms 119:42, 'Then I can answer my critics, for I trust in your word'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'be wise' in Proverbs 27:11?
To be wise means to live according to God's principles and instructions, as seen in Psalms 119:97-100, where the psalmist delights in and meditates on God's law, resulting in wisdom and understanding.
Why is it important to bring joy to one's parent's heart?
Bringing joy to one's parent's heart is important because it honors them and shows respect, as commanded in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Exodus 20:12, where children are instructed to obey and honor their parents.
Who is the one who taunts in Proverbs 27:11?
The one who taunts in Proverbs 27:11 is likely an enemy or a critic, similar to those mentioned in Psalms 38:16 and 42:10, where the psalmist faces mockery and scorn from his enemies.
How can one 'answer him who taunts me'?
One can answer him who taunts by living a wise and godly life, as seen in 1 Peter 2:15 and 3:15, where believers are instructed to be prepared to give a defense for their faith and to live in such a way that silences critics.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate wisdom in my daily life, and how will this bring joy to my parents and others?
- How do I respond when faced with taunts or criticism, and what does the Bible teach about how to handle these situations?
- In what ways can I honor my parents and bring joy to their hearts, even if I am no longer living with them?
- What are some potential consequences of not living wisely, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:11
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,.... That is, show thyself to be a wise man by thy words and actions; endeavour to get a good share of wisdom and knowledge, and make a good use of it, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:11
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. My son, be wise ... that I may answer him that reproacheth me - as though my son were a fool, or one badly reared.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
For being the father of a wicked son, as if I had either deserved him as a curse from God, or made him so by my example, or by the neglect of his education. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
Proverbs 27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.Ver. 11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
(11) My son.—The address of a father to his son, or master to pupil. That I may answer him that reproacheth me for having brought you up badly when he sees you ignorant or ill-behaved. So Christians are exhorted to let their “light so shine before men” that their Father in heaven may be thereby glorified (Matthew 5:16).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:11
The voice of the teacher to his true disciple. He pleads with him that the uprightness of the scholar will be the truest answer to all attacks on the character or teaching of the master.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:11
11. May answer him — Literally, that I may return a word, etc. That reproacheth me — That is, with want of care in the education of my child. The good and wise conduct of children is the best compliment to their parents.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Cry of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the concept of wisdom and its connection to intelligence and understanding. He highlights the complexity and intricacy of the human bod |
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Faith Triumphs by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the unwavering faith of Abraham, who believed in God's promises despite seemingly hopeless circumstances. He encourages believers to trust in the mult |
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Towards the Unity of God's People by A.R. Main | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the meaning of 'insult' (oneidizo) in the Bible, which involves abusive words, slander, reviling, and unjustly finding fault in a way that |
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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 |