Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 27:11 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor. "
Proverbs 27:11
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.
10 Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend. Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster. A neighbor who is near is better than a distant brother.
11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.
12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman!
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
Children are here urged to be wise and good for two reasons. First, they may become a comfort to their parents and gladden their hearts, even when hard days come, and so repay them for their care (Proverbs 23:15). Second, they may honor their parents and bring them respect.
A child’s good life answers those who blame parents for being too strict or too careful in training their children. They may say, “I was wise in the way I raised my child.” Those who have received a religious education should live in a way that matches it. In doing so, they silence the old saying, “A young saint, an old devil,” and show the opposite to be true, “A young saint, an old angel.”
From This Chapter
Proverbs 27:1
"Don’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring."
Proverbs 27:2
"Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips."
Proverbs 27:3
"A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both."
Proverbs 27:4
"Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?"
Proverbs 27:5
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love."
Proverbs 27:6
"The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse."
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