Proverbs 16:21

21 The wise of heart is called a man of discernment, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

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 of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives heed to the word will prosper, and happy is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise of heart is called a man of discernment, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it, but folly is the chastisement of fools.
23 The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.