King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:11 Mean?

Proverbs 27:11 in the King James Version says “My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 27:11 · KJV

Context

9

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. by: Heb. from the counsel of the soul

10

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

11

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

12

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

13

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Read Proverbs 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad—The Hebrew ḥākam (חָכַם, be wise) is more than intellectual knowledge; it's skillful living in the fear of the Lord (1:7). The father's joy (śāmaḥ, שָׂמַח) is tied to the son's moral choices. That I may answer him that reproacheth me reveals the apologetic dimension of wise living—a godly child vindicates parental instruction before critics.

This verse uniquely connects personal wisdom with family honor and public testimony. When children walk in wisdom, they become living arguments for God's truth, answering skeptics who mock biblical parenting (cf. 1 Timothy 3:4-5, where managing one's household well qualifies for church leadership).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, a son's conduct directly reflected on his father's reputation and teaching ability. The extended family structure meant that one person's choices affected the entire household's social standing. Solomon's collection of proverbs often emphasizes this intergenerational responsibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your spiritual and moral conduct either gladden or grieve those who taught you God's ways?
  2. In what ways does your life serve as an answer to those who question the value of biblical wisdom?
  3. What practical areas of wisdom-living would most vindicate your parents' or mentors' investment in you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
חֲכַ֣ם1 of 7

“be wise”

H2449

to be wise (in mind, word or act)

בְּ֭נִי2 of 7

“My son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְשַׂמַּ֣ח3 of 7
H8056

blithe or gleeful

לִבִּ֑י4 of 7

“and make my heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְאָשִׁ֖יבָה5 of 7

“that I may answer”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

חֹרְפִ֣י6 of 7

“him that reproacheth”

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

דָבָֽר׃7 of 7
H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 27:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 27:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:1Psalms 119:42Proverbs 23:15-16Proverbs 23:24-252 John 1:4Ecclesiastes 2:18-21

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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