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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 27:11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/27-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_27_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 27:11 - Do not Boast about Tomorrow" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/27-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/27-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/27.htm">Chapter 27</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm" title="Proverbs 27:10">◄</a> Proverbs 27:11 <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm" title="Proverbs 27:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/27.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/27.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/27.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/27.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, So that I may reply to one who taunts me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may respond with a word to him who reproaches me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches (reprimands, criticizes) me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy, so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy, so that I can answer anyone who taunts me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My child, show good sense! Then I will be happy and able to answer anyone who criticizes me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad so that I can answer anyone who criticizes me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be wise, my child, and I will be happy; I will have an answer for anyone who criticizes me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make me happy, so I can reply to anyone who insults me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer anyone who taunts me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, "" And I return a word [to] my reproacher.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Be wise, my son, and rejoice my heart. And I return my reproacher a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My son, be wise and gladden my heart, and I will turn back word to him reproaching me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Study wisdom, my son, and make my heart joyful, that thou mayst give an answer to him that reproacheth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />My son, study wisdom, and rejoice my heart, so that you may be able to respond to the one who reproaches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer whoever taunts me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer whoever reproaches me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, and remove from me the reproach of those who reproach me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Be wise my son, and gladden my heart, and remove from me the reproach of those who reproach me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that taunteth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Son, be wise, that thy heart may rejoice; and remove thou from thyself reproachful words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/27-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5559" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm">Do not Boast about Tomorrow</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Do 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. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2449.htm" title="2449: ḥă·ḵam (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To be wise. A primitive root, to be wise.">Be wise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">my son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: wə·śam·maḥ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">and bring joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">to my heart,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·’ā·šî·ḇāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">so that I can answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2778.htm" title="2778: ḥō·rə·p̄î (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 1cs) -- To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter.">him who taunts me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs 10:1</a></span><br />The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-15.htm">Proverbs 23:15-16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-24.htm">Proverbs 23:24-25</a></span><br />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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm">Proverbs 29:3</a></span><br />A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Proverbs 15:20</a></span><br />A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Proverbs 17:21</a></span><br />A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-25.htm">Proverbs 17:25</a></span><br />A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Proverbs 19:13</a></span><br />A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Proverbs 19:26</a></span><br />He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Proverbs 28:7</a></span><br />A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ephesians 6:1-3</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Colossians 3:20</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/3_john/1-4.htm">3 John 1:4</a></span><br />I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a></span><br />In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a></span><br />so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproaches me.</p><p class="hdg">be wise</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs 10:1</a></b></br> The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son <i>is</i> the heaviness of his mother.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Proverbs 15:20</a></b></br> A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-15.htm">Proverbs 23:15,16,24,25</a></b></br> My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">2 John 1:4</a></b></br> I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.</p><p class="hdg">that I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-42.htm">Psalm 119:42</a></b></br> So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/127-4.htm">Psalm 127:4,5</a></b></br> As arrows <i>are</i> in the hand of a mighty man; so <i>are</i> children of the youth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm">Contempt</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-15.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Reproacher</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Reproaches</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Reproacheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-10.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/psalms/119-42.htm">Taunteth</a> <a href="/job/41-27.htm">Treats</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-27.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/9-1.htm">Contempt</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-3.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Reproacher</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-28.htm">Reproaches</a> <a href="/numbers/15-30.htm">Reproacheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Taunteth</a> <a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Treats</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-5.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">observations of self love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">of true love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">of care to avoid offenses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">and of the household care</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be wise, my son</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of wisdom, a central theme in Proverbs. Wisdom in the biblical sense is not just knowledge but the application of God's truth in daily life. The call to "my son" suggests a personal and intimate relationship, often seen as a father instructing his child. This reflects the broader biblical tradition of passing down wisdom through generations, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments to their children.<p><b>and bring joy to my heart</b><br>The joy mentioned here is not merely emotional but is deeply spiritual, reflecting the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from seeing one's children walk in truth and wisdom. This aligns with 3 <a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4</a>, where the apostle John expresses his greatest joy in hearing that his children are walking in the truth. The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions.<p><b>so that I can answer him who taunts me</b><br>This phrase suggests a scenario where the speaker faces criticism or mockery, possibly from those who oppose or question the value of living according to God's wisdom. The ability to answer a taunter is linked to the demonstration of wisdom in one's life, which serves as a testimony to the truth and power of God's ways. This is reminiscent of <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a>, which encourages believers to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that they have, doing so with gentleness and respect. The taunter could represent the broader cultural or spiritual opposition faced by those who follow God's wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_father.htm">The Father</a></b><br>The speaker in this proverb, often understood as Solomon, who is imparting wisdom to his son. The father represents a figure of authority and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_son.htm">The Son</a></b><br>The recipient of the wisdom, representing the next generation and those who are learning and growing in their faith and understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_taunter.htm">The Taunter</a></b><br>An unspecified adversary or critic who challenges or mocks the father. This figure represents opposition or those who question the integrity or wisdom of the father.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not just for personal benefit but also brings joy and honor to those who have invested in us, such as parents or mentors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_family_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Family in Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Families are foundational in imparting wisdom and values. A wise child reflects the teachings and values of their upbringing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_criticism_with_integrity.htm">Responding to Criticism with Integrity</a></b><br>Living wisely equips us to respond to critics and adversaries with integrity and confidence, reflecting well on our faith and those who have taught us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_joy_of_righteous_living.htm">The Joy of Righteous Living</a></b><br>A life lived in wisdom and righteousness brings joy not only to oneself but also to those who care for us, creating a ripple effect of positivity and strength.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'heartily_as_unto_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does 'Even a Child is Known by His Deeds' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_hide_truths_from_'wise'_but_not_'children'.htm">In Matthew 11:25-27, why would a loving God hide spiritual truths from 'the wise' and reveal them only to 'children'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_4_1_ignore_bad_guidance.htm">Does the call to heed a father's instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_devout_suffer_or_die_young.htm">Proverbs 3:2 promises 'long life and peace' for obedience--how do we reconcile this with devout individuals who die young or endure immense turmoil?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">My son.--</span>The address of a father to his son, or master to pupil.<p><span class= "bld">That I may answer him that reproacheth me </span>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 (<a href="/matthew/5-16.htm" title="Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 5:16</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">My son, be wise, and make my heart glad.</span> The exhortation of a father to his son, or of a teacher to his pupil. Such address is not found elsewhere in this latter portion of the book, though common in previous parts. Delitzsch translates, "become wise." <span class="greek">Σοφὸς γίνου</span>, Septuagint. Such development of wisdom delights a father's heart, as <a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs 10:1</a>; <a href="/proverbs/23-15.htm">Proverbs 23:15, 24</a>. <span class="cmt_word">That I may</span> <span class="cmt_word">answer him that reproacheth me</span> (<a href="/psalms/119-42.htm">Psalm 119:42</a>; comp. <a href="/psalms/127-5.htm">Psalm 127:5</a>; Ecclus. 30:2). If the pupil did not show wisdom and morality in his conduct, the teacher would incur blame for the apparent failure of his education; whereas the high tone of the disciple might be appealed to as a proof of the merit and efficacy of the tutor's discipline. On the other hand, the evil doings of Hebrews often made the Name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles; just as nowadays the inconsistent lives of Christians are the greatest impediment to the success of missionary efforts in heathen countries. St. Jerome has, <span class="accented">Ut possis exprobanti respondere sermonem</span>. So Septuagint, "And remove from thyself reproachful words." But the first person is in accordance with the Hebrew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/27-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Be wise,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲכַ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭נִי</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and bring joy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשַׂמַּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śam·maḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8056.htm">Strong's 8056: </a> </span><span class="str2">Glad, joyful, merry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my heart,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבִּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that I can answer</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָשִׁ֖יבָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·šî·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him who taunts me.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹרְפִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·rə·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2778.htm">Strong's 2778: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/27-11.htm">Proverbs 27:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:11 Be wise my son and bring joy (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 27:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 27:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>