Proverbs 16:21

21 The wise are known for their understanding. Their pleasant words make them better teachers.

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 and be with those who suffer than to share stolen property with the proud.
20 Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed, and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy.
21 The wise are known for their understanding. Their pleasant words make them better teachers.
22 Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it, but foolishness brings punishment to fools.
23 Wise people's minds tell them what to say, and that helps them be better teachers.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.