Proverbs 16:21 “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes…”

Proverbs 16:21

The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

World English Bible

The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

American Standard Version

The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Geneva Bible 1599

The wise in heart shall bee called prudent: and the sweetenesse of the lippes shall increase doctrine.

Darby Translation

The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Young's Literal Translation

To the wise in heart is called, 'Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.

Bible in Basic English

The wise-hearted will be named men of good sense: and by pleasing words learning is increased.

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Cross references

“wise”

James 3:17 Proverbs 10:8 Proverbs 23:15 1 Kings 3:12 Romans 16:19 Proverbs 16:23

James 3:17 · BSB

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

Proverbs 10:8 · BSB

A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.

Proverbs 23:15 · BSB

My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.

1 Kings 3:12 · BSB

behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.

Romans 16:19 · BSB

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

Proverbs 16:23 · BSB

The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

“the sweetness”

Proverbs 15:7 Isaiah 50:4 Proverbs 27:9 Luke 4:22 John 7:46 Psalm 45:2

Proverbs 15:7 · BSB

The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.

Isaiah 50:4 · BSB

The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

Proverbs 27:9 · BSB

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

Luke 4:22 · BSB

All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.

John 7:46 · BSB

“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.

Psalm 45:2 · BSB

You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

20Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.

Read Proverbs 16