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 live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. 20Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. 22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. 23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.

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 16:23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
• Proverbs 10:8The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
• Proverbs 23:15My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!
• 1 Kings 3:12I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!
• Romans 16:19But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.
• James 3:17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
• Proverbs 16:24Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
• Proverbs 15:7The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.
• Proverbs 27:9The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
• Psalms 45:2You are the most handsome of all. Gracious words stream from your lips. God himself has blessed you forever.
• Ecclesiastes 12:10The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.
• Isaiah 50:4The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.
• Luke 4:22Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”
• John 7:46“We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.

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