Proverbs 16:23

Proverbs 16:23 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
• New International Version (NIV)The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
• English Standard Version (ESV)The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
• New King James Version (NKJV)The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.

Context of Proverbs 16:23

21The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener]. 22Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness. The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. 25There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 16:23 word by word

לֵ֣ב חָ֭כָם יַשְׂכִּ֣יל פִּ֑יהוּ וְעַל־שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו יֹסִ֥יף לֶֽקַח׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• The heartלֵבlêb · heartH3820
• of the wiseחָכָםchâkâm · wiseH2450
• teachethשָׂכַלώâkal · be prudentH7919
• his mouthפֶּהpeh · lip: wordH6310
• and addethיָסַףyâsaph · to addH3254
• learningלֶ֫קַחleqach · teachingH3948
• to his lipsשָׂפָהώâphâh ώepheth · lipsH8193

Cross-references for Proverbs 16:23

• Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.
• Proverbs 22:17Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge;
• Psalms 37:30The mouth of the righteous proclaims wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice and truth.
• Psalms 45:1My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my psalm to the King. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
• Matthew 12:34You brood of vipers, how can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
• Colossians 3:16Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Commentaries on Proverbs 16:23

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth - He has a wise heart; he speaks as it dictates; and therefore his speeches are all speeches of wisdom.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 23Verse 23 The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2323. The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 16:23

• Speaking
• Wisdom

In the dictionaries

• Chief
• Divine
• Haughty
• Lot
• Pride
• Whisperer
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of
• Teach; Teacher; Teaching

Commentaries on Proverbs 16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings