Proverbs 16:21

Proverbs 16:21 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
• New International Version (NIV)The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
• English Standard Version (ESV)The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
• New King James Version (NKJV)The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

Context of Proverbs 16:21

19Better to be humble with lowly people than to share stolen goods with arrogant people. 20Whoever gives attention to the Lord’s word prospers, and blessed is the person who trusts the Lord. The person who is truly wise is called understanding, and speaking sweetly helps others learn. 22Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity. 23A wise person’s heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn.

Proverbs 16:21 word by word

לַחֲכַם־לֵ֭ב יִקָּרֵ֣א נָב֑וֹן וּמֶ֥תֶק שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם יֹסִ֥יף לֶֽקַח׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• The wiseחָכָםchâkâm · wiseH2450
• in heartלֵבlêb · heartH3820
• shall be calledקָרָאqârâ' · to call: call toH7121
• prudentבִּיןbîyn · to understandH995
• and the sweetnessמֶ֫תֶקmetheq · sweetnessH4986
• of the lipsשָׂפָהώâphâh ώepheth · lip: wordsH8193
• increasethיָסַףyâsaph · to addH3254
• learningלֶ֫קַחleqach · teachingH3948

Cross-references for Proverbs 16:21

• Proverbs 16:23A wise person’s heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn.
• Proverbs 10:8The one who is truly wise accepts commands, but the one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst.
• Proverbs 23:15My son, if you have a wise heart, my heart will rejoice as well.
• 1 Kings 3:12So I’m going to do what you’ve asked. I’m giving you a wise and understanding heart so that there will never be anyone like you.
• Romans 16:19Everyone has heard about your obedience and this makes me happy for you. I want you to do what is good and to avoid what is evil.
• James 3:17However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial, and sincere.
• Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are ⌞like⌟ honey from a honeycomb— sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.
• Proverbs 15:7The lips of wise people spread knowledge, but a foolish attitude does not.
• Proverbs 27:9Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the sweetness of a friend is a fragrant forest.
• Psalms 45:2You are the most handsome of Adam’s descendants. Grace is poured on your lips. That is why God has blessed you forever.
• Ecclesiastes 12:10The spokesman tried to find just the right words. He wrote the words of truth very carefully.
• Isaiah 50:4The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people. Morning after morning he will wake me to listen like a student.
• Luke 4:22All the people spoke well of him. They were amazed to hear the gracious words flowing from his lips. They said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”
• John 7:46The temple guards answered, “No human has ever spoken like this man.”

Commentaries on Proverbs 16:21

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 21The words point to the conditions of all true growth in wisdom; and he who has the gift of uttering it in winning speech increases it in himself and others.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 21Verse 21 The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2121. wise in heart--who rightly consider duty. sweetness of the lips--eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 16:21

• Character
• Prudence
• Speaking
• Wisdom

In the dictionaries

• Chief
• Divine
• Haughty
• Lot
• Pride
• Whisperer
• Wisely
• Increase
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

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