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.
• 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.
• New Living Translation (NLT)The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.

Context of Proverbs 16:21

19Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. 20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. 22Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. 23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.

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 16:23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
• Proverbs 10:8The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
• Proverbs 23:15My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed;
• 1 Kings 3:12I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
• Romans 16:19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
• James 3:17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
• Proverbs 16:24Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
• Proverbs 15:7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
• Proverbs 27:9Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
• Psalms 45:2You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.
• Ecclesiastes 12:10The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
• Isaiah 50:4The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
• Luke 4:22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.
• John 7:46“No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.

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