These two verses are part of a special section of Proverbs and they go together. The subject is one of the most common among the wise sayings in the book – the parent-child relationship.
The first time since chapter 7, this is one of three “my son” phrases in this chapter (see also :19, 26). It’s about father’s emotions in relation to his son’s attitudes and words.
An age-old story, dad says to his boy, “if your heart is wise” and “when your lips speak what is right.” As our children make right choices, parents feel good – “my heart will be glad…my inmost being will rejoice.”
It should be noted that dad isn’t talking about having these emotions because his son is rich or famous. What makes this father happy is that his son’s “heart is wise” and his “lips speak what is right.”
These are the most important things we can instill in our children and what we should hope for their lives. Of course, we must also understand it will be their choice whether they want to be this person or not.
So, we give it our best shot with them. But, even more important, we should commit ourselves to being that person, as well.
Modeling these qualities in front of my children is the best thing I can do to help them become that person! It’s the right thing to do — it will also make my day!