Proverbs 16:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

NIV: The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.

NASB: The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

CSB: The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech.

NLT: From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.

KJV: The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

NKJV: The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.

The statement here pairs with verse 21 (Proverbs 16:21) and the following proverb (Proverbs 16:24). In fact, the teaching contained here rephrases the same idea taught in verse 21. An important facet of wisdom is knowing how to speak, not merely what to say. Careful choice of words impacts how well those words are received (Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:6). Truly wise people use helpful words in a helpful manner. Such a person not only speaks truth, but he also "makes his speech judicious." This phrase is also translated as "instructs his mouth." The emphasis is on controlling one's tongue—not always an easy task (James 1:26; 3:5–8).

Solomon urged his son to heed wise words so he would understand the fear of the Lord, avoid evil, and experience the Lord's protection (Proverbs 2). The Lord Jesus employed wise, persuasive speech when He taught the multitudes and His disciples. On one occasion, Jesus asked His disciples if they would leave Him. Simon Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68–69). John 7:45 relates that officers, sent by the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus, returned without Jesus. When the chief priests and Pharisees asked why they did not bring Jesus, the officers replied, "No one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). Those who speak truth in a winsome way have a profound influence on others.

Proverbs 16:16–26 focuses on righteousness, pride, humility, faith, speaking, and industrious labor. Again, we see the contrast between the upright and fools, as well as between diligence and laziness. Many of these proverbs come in a two-sentence style, where each presents the same idea from different directions of thought.

This part of Solomon's proverbs emphasizes human motives, self-control, and common sense. Many of these proverbs are arranged in a two-part style. The first and second half of these statements make the same basic point, but from opposite perspectives. Notable verses are verses 9 and 33, speaking of God's sovereignty, and verse 18, a famous warning about arrogance. Also often cited is verse 25, which repeats Proverbs 14:12 and encourages self-reflection.

A lengthy list of Solomon's wise sayings began in chapter 10. Chapter 16 begins a section mostly composed of comparisons and completions. It extends to Proverbs 22:16. Man's thoughts, speech, motives, and conduct are examined in this chapter. The chapter also addresses pride, evil, and injustice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.