Proverbs 16:21

21 The wise-hearted will be named men of good sense: and by pleasing words learning is increased.

Proverbs 16:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:21

The wise in heart shall be called prudent
He that has true wisdom in the inward part; who knows his heart and the haughtiness of it; who has the fear of God in it, which is the beginning of wisdom; who is wise unto salvation, not only knows the scheme of it, but is experimentally acquainted with it; who has not head knowledge and wisdom only, but heart knowledge and wisdom, and behaves wisely in his life and conversation; who is so wise and endued with knowledge, as, out of a good conversation, to show his works with meekness of wisdom; such a man is called, reckoned, accounted, and spoken well of, as a prudent man among all wise and knowing persons; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning;
who, besides a wise heart and a knowing head, have the gift of elocution; can deliver themselves in a flowing easy style; can clothe their thoughts with proper words, and convey their ideas in clear expressions, in a very edifying and instructive manner: these communicate knowledge to others, and increase it in themselves: for, while they are improving others, they improve themselves and learning also, whether it be divine or human; these are such who are "apt to teach", ( 1 Timothy 3:2 ) ; and if they have proper hearers to attend them, they will "increase in learning", as a just man does, ( Proverbs 9:9 ) .

Proverbs 16:21 In-Context

19 Better it is to have a gentle spirit with the poor, than to take part in the rewards of war with men of pride.
20 He who gives attention to the law of right will get good; and whoever puts his faith in the Lord is happy.
21 The wise-hearted will be named men of good sense: and by pleasing words learning is increased.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behaviour.
23 The heart of the wise man is the teacher of his mouth, and gives increased learning to his lips.
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