Proverbs 23:15 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 23:15 mean?

Proverbs 23:15 presents a parent’s joy as the response to a son’s growing wisdom. The speaker values the son’s inward understanding, not just outward behavior: a wise heart gives the parent a personal reason to rejoice.

The words “my son” place the saying in the voice of a parent addressing a child. Following verse 14’s language about correction, verse 15 turns to the gladness that wise learning brings to the speaker.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 23:15

• “heart” — לֵב (lev): The Hebrew word often refers to a person’s inner life, including thought and judgment. A “wise heart” therefore points to understanding, not merely to a feeling.
• “wise” — חָכַם (ḥakham): This word carries the sense of becoming or being wise. Here the son’s wisdom is presented as something that can take shape within him.

Why Proverbs 23:15 matters

• The verse joins learning with affection. The speaker addresses the learner as “my son” and speaks of “my heart,” making the instruction personal rather than distant.
• The KJV’s “even mine” adds emphasis to the speaker’s response. The parent is personally involved in the son’s progress, rather than observing it without feeling.
• The next verse adds speech to the picture of inward wisdom. Its reference to the son’s “lips” speaking what is right helps show how the wisdom of verse 15 may become audible.