Proverbs 16:23

23 The heart of the wise will discern the from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.

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 call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.

23 The heart of the wise will discern the from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.

24 Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.

25 There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell.