Proverbs 16:23

23 The heart of the wise causes his mouth to be prudent, and with his lips he shall increase doctrine.

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 is called a man of understanding; and the sweetness of the lips shall increase doctrine.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise causes his mouth to be prudent, and with his lips he shall increase doctrine.

24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and medicine to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.