Proverbs 16:21 kjv
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Proverbs 16:21 nkjv
The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.
Proverbs 16:21 niv
The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:21 esv
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
Proverbs 16:21 nlt
The wise are known for their understanding,
and pleasant words are persuasive.
Proverbs 16 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 1:5 | "Let the wise hear and increase in learning..." | Wisdom leads to increased understanding. |
| Prov 2:6 | "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." | Wisdom and discernment are from God. |
| Prov 4:23 | "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." | Heart is source of life, impacts speech/action. |
| Prov 8:5 | "You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, get understanding." | Call to gain understanding. |
| Prov 10:32 | "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable..." | Righteous lips speak acceptable words. |
| Prov 12:18 | "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." | Contrast of reckless vs. healing words. |
| Prov 15:2 | "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." | Wise speech is full of knowledge. |
| Prov 15:23 | "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!" | Value of well-timed and fitting words. |
| Prov 16:24 | "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." | Gracious words are beneficial and pleasant. |
| Prov 20:5 | "The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." | Insight is needed to understand heart's depth. |
| Prov 25:11 | "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." | Emphasis on words spoken appropriately. |
| Eccl 10:12 | "Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but those from the mouth of a fool consume them." | Wise words possess grace. |
| Matt 12:34 | "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." | Direct link between heart and speech. |
| Luke 6:45 | "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart..." | Good fruit (words) from a good heart. |
| Col 4:6 | "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt..." | Command for graceful and discerning speech. |
| Eph 4:29 | "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful..." | Focus on edifying speech. |
| Isa 50:4 | "The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue..." | God grants the ability for effective instruction. |
| Ps 111:10 | "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding." | God-fearing leads to good understanding. |
| Jas 1:5 | "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God..." | God grants wisdom to those who ask. |
| Jas 3:17 | "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate..." | Characteristics of heavenly wisdom. |
| Acts 6:10 | "But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him..." | Wisdom empowering effective persuasion. |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | "...always be prepared to give an answer... with gentleness and respect." | Advocation for gentle, respectful articulation. |
Proverbs 16 verses
Proverbs 16 21 Meaning
Proverbs 16:21 conveys that true wisdom originates from the inner being (the heart), leading to genuine discernment, which will be acknowledged by others. Furthermore, gracious and pleasant speech enhances the ability to convey instruction, truth, or counsel effectively, thereby increasing its reception and impact on the listener.
Proverbs 16 21 Context
Proverbs 16 falls within the section of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1 – 22:16), focusing heavily on practical wisdom for daily living, often contrasting the path of the wise and the righteous with that of the foolish and wicked. A prominent theme throughout the chapter is divine sovereignty over human plans and the importance of righteousness and trust in God (vv. 1, 3, 7, 9, 33). Verse 21 fits seamlessly into this wisdom literature by emphasizing two key aspects of true wisdom: its internal foundation (wise heart leading to discernment) and its outward manifestation (gracious speech leading to persuasiveness or the acceptance of instruction). It stands against any notion of merely external eloquence, emphasizing that true influence stems from an inner moral and intellectual quality.
Proverbs 16 21 Word analysis
- The wise in heart (חֲכַם־לֵב, chakham-lev): This phrase points to wisdom residing not merely in intellectual capacity but in the innermost being – the seat of thoughts, intentions, emotions, and moral decision-making. It denotes practical skill, discernment, and ethical understanding integrated into one's character. This is more profound than simple cleverness; it's a deep-seated understanding that influences all of life.
- will be called (יִקָּרֵא, yikkârê’): This passive construction indicates public recognition and acknowledgement. It implies that the wisdom is evident and discernable to others, not merely self-proclaimed. It's an earned reputation.
- discerning (נָבוֹן, navon): From the root בִין (bîyn), meaning "to understand," "to discern," "to perceive." This describes one who possesses keen insight, an ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error, and to comprehend complex matters. It often refers to practical intelligence and sound judgment.
- and sweetness (וּמֶתֶק, ûmeteq): Derived from the root מָתַק (mâtaq), meaning "to be sweet, pleasant." This refers to the delightful, agreeable, or charming quality of something. Here, it specifically describes the nature of speech.
- of speech (שְׂפָתַיִם, śefâtayim): Literally "lips" or "speech." It signifies the manner and content of one's words. "Sweetness of speech" means pleasant, kind, gracious, and articulate communication.
- increases (יוֹסִיף, yosif): From the root יָסַף (yâsaf), meaning "to add," "to increase," "to do again." It indicates an augmentation or growth.
- persuasiveness / learning (לֶקַח, leqach): This Hebrew word is critical for understanding the full scope. It can mean "learning," "instruction," "doctrine," or that which is "taken" or "received." In context with "sweetness of speech," it suggests that gracious communication adds to the listener's readiness to receive teaching, counsel, or the message being conveyed. It enhances receptivity and conviction, thus leading to persuasion or the effective impartation of knowledge.
- "The wise in heart will be called discerning": This phrase highlights that true wisdom originates from an inner, moral core and is not merely intellectual. It manifests outwardly through sound judgment, which in turn gains public recognition and respect. It's about character producing discernment, which then becomes evident.
- "sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness/learning": This second clause presents the practical impact of the inner wisdom from the first clause. A discerning heart often translates into gracious and effective communication. Gracious words, delivered from a place of wisdom, do not manipulate but open the hearer's heart to receive and be persuaded by instruction or truth, making the message more impactful and accepted.
Proverbs 16 21 Bonus section
This proverb subtly implies a distinction between mere intellectual knowledge and lived wisdom. One can possess much knowledge but lack "heart wisdom," making their communication abrasive or ineffective. Conversely, a truly wise person, rooted in sound discernment, tends to speak in a way that cultivates receptivity rather than resistance. This suggests that the development of inner character precedes and enables effective external communication, a principle valuable for leadership, teaching, and interpersonal relationships. The effectiveness of spiritual guidance and evangelism also depends on this principle; truth, no matter how profound, benefits from being delivered with grace.
Proverbs 16 21 Commentary
Proverbs 16:21 elegantly connects internal wisdom with external effectiveness. The core message is that authentic wisdom is not superficial but deeply embedded in the heart, fostering genuine discernment that is naturally recognized by others. This inner wisdom often expresses itself through gracious and winsome communication. Such "sweetness of speech" doesn't equate to flattery or manipulation, but rather refers to a pleasant, well-intentioned, and considerate manner of speaking. When truth or counsel is delivered with such grace, it renders the speaker's message far more receptive and persuasive. This verse champions the idea that substance (wisdom of heart) must be paired with an appropriate and gracious presentation (sweetness of speech) for maximum impact, making the instruction or guidance more likely to be accepted and internalized by the listener. It illustrates that true influence comes from a foundation of character expressed through effective, graceful words.