Proverbs 16:23

23 Wise people's minds tell them what to say, and that helps them be better teachers.

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 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.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.

25 Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death.