Bible Strands
Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text functions as a standalone wisdom maxim within a larger collection addressing a general audience on practical living. It is positioned between a declaration about heeding instruction and trusting God, and a contrast between understanding and the folly of fools.
The words — The text states the wise in heart are called נָב֑וֹן (na.Von), meaning discerning, and describes speech as וּ/מֶ֥תֶק (u./Me.tek), or sweetness. It further says this sweetness יֹסִ֥יף (yo.Sif), or increases, לֶֽקַח (Le.kach), teaching.
The thread — The link between inner disposition and verbal delivery runs through Proverbs 16:23, which pairs the wise heart with instructive speech. The same motif appears in Proverbs 15:7, where wise lips spread knowledge, and Isaiah 50:4, which describes a divinely given tongue that sustains others with words.
Why it lands — The text first states that discernment is an internal reality that must be expressed through agreeable communication. It asks the reader to cultivate both thoughtful understanding and tactful delivery so that teaching reaches others effectively.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
- Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
- Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
- Proverbs 27:9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
- Luke 4:22 All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.
- John 7:46 “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.
- 1 Kings 3:12 behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.
- Psalms 45:2 You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.
- Proverbs 10:8 A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.