Proverbs 16:21

21 The 1wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech 2increases persuasiveness.

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 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD .
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Cross References 2

Footnotes 2

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