משלי, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ט״ז

True and complete happiness emerges when inner wisdom bursts forth into the world. It is one thing to acquire knowledge quietly within, but reaching the ultimate level of joy requires sharing that wisdom through speech and using it to influence others. This profound happiness is immense, likened to the urge to dance from pure joy, far surpassing ordinary gladness [אלשיך, מלבי״ם].

In biblical thought, this specific type of joy is felt deep within the kidneys. These organs represent the most profound inner thoughts and happiness [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some view the kidneys as the very center of human desire and longing, making them the natural home for such intense rejoicing [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון]. There is a distinct difference between the roles of the heart and the kidneys in this process. While the heart is the place that thinks and initially absorbs inner wisdom, the kidneys act as advisors, bringing a person closer to turning that knowledge into action [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].

Because the kidneys drive action, their joy is awakened specifically through speech. This happens when a person speaks words of truth, wisdom, and fairness [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ, עמנואל הרומי]. The ability to speak such wisdom is the direct result of the knowledge that was first firmly planted in the heart [רש״י]. The primary approach among commentators is that this immense joy does not stem merely from knowing what is right, but from using that knowledge to guide and correct other people [אלשיך, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

Speech symbolizes clear, refined knowledge. When an individual internalizes the principles of fairness so deeply that they become second nature, requiring no internal struggle, they are then able to teach those principles to others with perfect clarity [מלבי״ם]. This dynamic creates a powerful cycle. When a student develops the ability to guide others on the right path, it brings profound joy to the teacher's innermost being. In response, the teacher showers goodness back upon the student. Through this cycle of shared wisdom and mutual joy, God continues to pour His steady stream of goodness into the entire world [אלשיך].