John Gill 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, be wise, and make my heart glad
That is, show yourself to be a wise man by your words and actions; endeavour to get a good share of wisdom and knowledge, and make a good use of it, and that will rejoice my heart; as nothing more gladdens the heart of a parent than the wisdom and prudent behaviour of his son; see (Proverbs 10:1) (Proverbs 23:15Proverbs 23:24Proverbs 23:25) ;

that I may answer him that reproaches me ;
with begetting a foolish son, or a wicked man; or making him such by ill examples; or through neglect of education; or by using too much severity in it.