Proverbs 16:23

23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his 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 wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is [their] folly.

23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.