God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 16:23
23A wise person’s heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn.
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 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. A wise person’s heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn. 24Pleasant words are ⌞like⌟ honey from a honeycomb— sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body. 25There is a way that seems right to a person, but eventually it ends in death.
Read all of Proverbs 16Proverbs 16:23 word by word
לֵ֣ב חָ֭כָם יַשְׂכִּ֣יל פִּ֑יהוּ וְעַל־שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו יֹסִ֥יף לֶֽקַח׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 16:23
- Proverbs 15:28The heart of a righteous person carefully considers how to answer, but the mouths of wicked people pour out a flood of evil things.
- Proverbs 22:17Open your ears, and hear the words of wise people, and set your mind on the knowledge I give you.
- Psalms 37:30The mouth of the righteous person reflects on wisdom. His tongue speaks what is fair.
- Psalms 45:1My heart is overflowing with good news. I will direct my song to the king. My tongue is a pen for a skillful writer.
- Matthew 12:34You poisonous snakes! How can you evil people say anything good? Your mouth says what comes from inside you.
- Colossians 3:16Let Christ’s word with all its wisdom and richness live in you. Use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and instruct yourselves about ⌞God’s⌟ kindness. Sing to God in your hearts.
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
In the dictionaries
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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
Commentaries