Proverbs 16:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

NIV: The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.

NASB: The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

CSB: Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.

NLT: The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.

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

NKJV: The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

The phrase "wise of heart," as used here, suggests both factual and emotional discernment. A person recognized for their knowledge has a good reputation (Proverbs 3:3–4). Even more influential, however, is the person who pairs that discernment with carefully considered loving words (Proverbs 15:1). The same Hebrew word used for "sweetness" here is also employed later in reference to a honeycomb (Proverbs 16:24). The same idea is highlighted in two other proverbs in this passage (Proverbs 16:23–24). Truth spoken in gentler tones and phrases tends to be more easily accepted.

Of course, the wisest teacher was Jesus. He was always able to discern the heart and minds of others and provide perfect answers. Christians ought to follow Jesus' example and use wise, pleasant words. Of course, this does not preclude all use of cutting phrases or rebuke (Matthew 12:33; 23:37). Those are best used with caution, however, and part of godly wisdom is knowing when to take such steps. Colossians 3:16 exhorts: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

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.