Proverbs 16:23

23 The wise man's heart teaches his mouth, and to his lips it adds learning.

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 A wise-hearted person is said to have discernment, and sweetness of speech adds to learning.

22 Common sense is a fountain of life to one who has it, whereas fools are punished by their own folly.

23 The wise man's heart teaches his mouth, and to his lips it adds learning.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and healing for the body.

25 There can be a way which seems right to a person, but at its end are the ways of death.