Proverbs 16:23

23 The mind of the wise makes their speech insightful and enhances the teaching of their lips.

Proverbs 16:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:23

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth
That is, a man that is wise in heart, as in ( Proverbs 16:21 ) ; his heart will teach his mouth what to say, when to say it, and before whom; it will prompt him to matter, that he shall not be at a loss what to say, nor how to say; it will furnish him with words and things; out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, ( Matthew 12:34 ) ; and addeth learning to his lips:
so that he does not deliver out mere words, but solid learning along with them, instructive to himself and others. The Targum is,

``and by his lips he addeth doctrine;''

or increases knowledge.

Proverbs 16:23 In-Context

21 The skilled mind is called discerning, and pleasant speech enhances teaching.

22 One who has insight is a fountain of life, but the instruction of the foolish is folly.

23 The mind of the wise makes their speech insightful and enhances the teaching of their lips.

24 Pleasant words are flowing honey, sweet to the taste and healing to the bones.

25 There is a path that may seem straight to someone, but in the end it is the path of death.