Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

PROVERBS 23:16KJV
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Proverbs 23:16 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 23:16 mean?

Proverbs 23:16 expresses a parent's deep joy when their child speaks honestly and wisely. The verse uses the image of the parent's "reins" (an old word for the innermost feelings or heart) rejoicing when the child’s lips speak what is right.

In this verse, a wise teacher or parent is speaking to a young person, urging them to live and speak with integrity. The verse highlights the strong emotional response that comes from seeing someone you care about make good, truthful choices, especially in their words. It shows that right speech is not just about rules, but about bringing joy to those who love and guide you.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 23:16

  • "reins" (כִּלְיָה, kilyah): This word literally refers to the kidneys, but in Hebrew thought, it often means the deepest emotions or the inner self. The verse is saying that the speaker’s deepest feelings are affected by the child’s words.
  • "rejoice" (עָלוֹז, aloz): This word means to exult or be filled with gladness. It is a strong word for joy, showing that the speaker is not just pleased, but truly delighted.
  • "lips" (שָׂפָה, saphah): This simply means the lips, but here it stands for the words a person speaks. The focus is on what comes out of the mouth.
  • "speak" (דָּבַר, dabar): This is the common word for speaking or declaring. It emphasizes the act of saying something out loud.
  • "things" (מֵישָׁר, meshar): This word means uprightness or straightness, pointing to what is honest, fair, and right.

Why Proverbs 23:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that wise and honest speech is not just a personal virtue, but something that deeply affects those who care for us, especially parents or mentors.
  • Proverbs 23:16 connects to the broader theme in Proverbs about the importance of right speech and the joy it brings to a community or family.
  • The verse helps clear up the old-fashioned word "reins," showing it refers to the deepest emotions, not just a physical organ. This helps modern readers understand the emotional depth behind the proverb.

Where else these words appear

“rejoice” Hebrew H5937 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 1:20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
  • Psalms 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
  • Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

“things” Hebrew H4339 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
  • Psalms 98:9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
  • Song of Solomon 1:4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

“reins” Hebrew H3629 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 8:25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:
  • Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.