The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Proverbs 16:21 · KJV
Save this verse: — saved on this device. Create a free account to keep it everywhere.
Back to the chapter

Other translations

KJV

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

WEB

The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

Word study

The wise châkâm H2450
in heart lêb H3820
shall be called qârâʼ H7121
prudent: bîyn H995
and the sweetness metheq H4986
of the lips sâphâh H8193
increaseth yâçaph H3254
learning. leqach H3948

Commentary

Matthew Henry

Note, 1. Those that have solid wisdom will have the credit of it; it will gain them reputation, and they shall be called prudent grave men, and a deference will be paid to their judgment. Do that which is wise and good and thou shalt have the praise of the same. 2. Those that with their wisdom have a happy elocution, that deliver their sentiments easily and with a good grace, are communicative of their wisdom and have words at will, and good language as well as good sense, increase learning; they diffuse and propagate knowledge to others, and do good work with it, and by that means increase their own stock. They add doctrine, improve sciences, and do service to the commonwealth of learning. To him that has, and uses what he has, more shall be given.

John Gill

The wise in heart shall be called prudent,.... He that has true wisdom in the inward part; who knows his heart and the haughtiness of it; who has the fear of God in it, which is the beginning of wisdom; who is wise unto salvation, not only knows the scheme of it, but is experimentally acquainted with it; who has not head knowledge and wisdom only, but heart knowledge and wisdom, and behaves wisely in his life and conversation; who is so wise and endued with knowledge, as, out of a good conversation, to show his works with meekness of wisdom; such a man is called, reckoned, accounted, and spoken well of, as a prudent man among all wise and knowing persons;

and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning; who, besides a wise heart and a knowing head, have the gift of elocution; can deliver themselves in a flowing easy style; can clothe their thoughts with proper words, and convey their ideas in clear expressions, in a very edifying and instructive manner: these communicate knowledge to others, and increase it in themselves: for, while they are improving others, they improve themselves and learning also, whether it be divine or human; these are such who are "apt to teach", Ti1 3:2; and if they have proper hearers to attend them, they will "increase in learning", as a just man does, Pro 9:9.

JFB

wise in heart--who rightly consider duty.

sweetness of the lips--eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.

Community notes

No notes yet on this verse.

Add your own note

Saved on this device for now. Create a free account to keep it and, if you choose, share it with other readers.