Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 27:11

"My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me." — Proverbs 27:11 (ASV)

My son.— The address of a father to his son, or master to pupil.

That I may answer him who reproaches me for having brought you up badly when he sees you ignorant or ill-behaved. So Christians are exhorted to let their light so shine before men that their Father in heaven may be thereby glorified (Matthew 5:16).