Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.
Parallel translations
- WEB Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.
- KJV My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
- ESV Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.
- NKJV My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.
- NASB Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, So that I may reply to one who taunts me.
- NLT Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
A child's wisdom brings joy to a parent and vindicates them before critics. It links a son's godly conduct to his parent's honor and answer to detractors.
Overview
The father pleads with his son to be wise, both for the joy it brings and so the father can answer those who reproach him. A child's character reflects on the parent and silences accusers. The verse echoes how God is glorified and answers His critics through the obedient conduct of His children, who are conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- Prov 10:1The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
- Ps 119:42Then I can answer him who taunts, for I trust in Your word.
- Prov 23:15–16My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.
- Prov 23:24–25The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.
- 2 Jn 1:4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.
- Prov 15:20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
- Eccl 2:18–21I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.
- Phlm 1:7I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
- Ps 127:4–5Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.
- Prov 29:3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
- Phlm 1:19–20I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
Free animated overview and word-study videos for this book.
Sermons and teaching on this passage from across YouTube.
Clear, readable, conservative exposition — the best free place to start on any passage.
Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, the Pulpit Commentary, Ellicott, Cambridge, and more — stacked on one page for this exact verse.
The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 27:11 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.