What is the meaning of Proverbs 27:11? Be wise When Solomon opens with “Be wise,” he is handing his child the key that unlocks every other blessing in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is never abstract; it is the practiced skill of living in submission to God’s revealed truth (Proverbs 1:7; James 1:5). • Wisdom begins with reverence—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Wisdom is practical—guiding everyday decisions, speech, friendships, and finances (Proverbs 3:5-6; 13:20). • Wisdom is visible—others can see it at work (Matthew 7:24-25). When we choose wisdom, we cooperate with God’s design and experience His favor (Proverbs 3:13-18). my son This tender phrase reminds us that Scripture speaks within a covenant family. Solomon addresses his own child, and by extension all who read in faith (Proverbs 2:1; Hebrews 12:5-7). • It’s relational—truth is best passed along person-to-person, parent-to-child (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4). • It’s personal—the child’s response matters; no one can believe or obey on his behalf (Ezekiel 18:20). • It’s urgent—a loving father doesn’t wait until life collapses; he teaches before the crisis hits (Proverbs 4:1-9). God is the ultimate Father calling each of His children to listen and live (1 John 3:1). and bring joy to my heart A child’s wise choices overflow into a parent’s deepest gladness. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts wise children who delight their parents with foolish children who bring grief (Proverbs 10:1; 23:24-25). • Parental joy is tied to a child’s obedience to God (3 John 1:4). • Wise living confirms that the parent’s investment was not wasted (Philippians 2:16). • The joy is spiritual, not merely emotional—it is anchored in seeing God’s truth embraced (Psalm 119:162). When children walk in wisdom, parents taste a preview of the heavenly joy that awaits all the redeemed. so that I can answer him who taunts me The verse ends with a public dimension: a wise child equips the parent to silence critics. In ancient culture, family behavior either honored or shamed the household name (Proverbs 17:6). • A godly heritage becomes a living testimony that confounds mockers (Psalm 119:42; Titus 2:7-8). • The “taunter” may be a skeptic who doubts the worth of serving the LORD (Psalm 42:10), yet a faithful family answers him without words. • Wisdom defends the gospel; it is a ready apologetic (1 Peter 3:15). When believers live wisely, they vindicate God’s wisdom before a watching world and silence the scoffer (Matthew 5:16). summary Proverbs 27:11 calls every child of God to embrace wisdom. Doing so: 1. Honors God’s design for life. 2. Deepens the parent-child bond in covenant joy. 3. Provides living proof to a skeptical world that the fear of the LORD is both true and good. Choose wisdom, and you become a walking answer to every taunt against the faith. |
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