Proverbs 16:23
Proverbs 16:23 in Multiple Translations
The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.
The heart of the wise man is the teacher of his mouth, and gives increased learning to his lips.
A wise mind makes sure to say sensible things; the words spoken are persuasive.
The heart of the wise guideth his mouth wisely, and addeth doctrine to his lippes.
The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth: and shall add grace to his lips.
Those who are wise think carefully before they talk, and as a result they are able to influence/persuade others to do what is right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:23
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ב
חָ֭כָם
יַשְׂכִּ֣יל
פִּ֑י/הוּ
וְ/עַל
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
יֹסִ֥יף
לֶֽקַח
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
חָ֭כָם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
יַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
פִּ֑י/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
יֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לֶֽקַח
leqach
H3948
teaching
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:23
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
חָ֭כָם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
יַשְׂכִּ֣יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
פִּ֑י/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
יֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לֶֽקַח
leqach
H3948
"teaching"
N-ms
This word refers to teaching or instruction, and it can also mean learning or insight. In the Bible, it is used to describe the teachings of God or the wisdom of a teacher, like in Proverbs 1:8 where it says to heed the teaching of a father.
Definition: 1) learning, teaching, insight 1a) instruction (obj) 1b) teaching (thing taught) 1b1) teaching-power 1b2) persuasiveness
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: doctrine, learning, fair speech. See also: Deuteronomy 32:2; Proverbs 7:21; Proverbs 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:23
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:28 | The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. |
| 2 | Matthew 12:34–35 | You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. |
| 3 | Colossians 3:16 | Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. |
| 4 | Proverbs 22:17–18 | Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge— for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips. |
| 5 | Psalms 37:30–31 | The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter. |
| 6 | Psalms 45:1 | My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. |
Proverbs 16:23 Summary
This verse means that when we have wisdom in our hearts, it guides what we say and makes our words more convincing and pleasant to others. It's like having a gentle and loving coach inside us, helping us to speak in a way that is kind and helpful to those around us, as seen in Proverbs 16:21 and Ephesians 4:29. When we seek to follow God and fill our hearts with His wisdom, our words will become more persuasive and pleasant, and we will be a blessing to others. By trusting in God's wisdom and love, we can speak in a way that honors Him and brings joy to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between the heart and the mouth in Proverbs 16:23?
According to Proverbs 16:23, the heart of the wise man instructs his mouth, indicating that a person's thoughts and intentions guide their speech, as also seen in Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45.
How does a wise person's speech differ from a fool's speech?
A wise person's speech is persuasive and pleasant, as stated in Proverbs 16:21 and Proverbs 16:23, whereas a fool's speech is often foolish and lacking in discernment, as seen in Proverbs 16:22.
Can anyone become wise and have persuasive speech?
Yes, according to Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, wisdom is available to all who fear the Lord and seek it, and as they grow in wisdom, their speech will become more persuasive and pleasant, as seen in Proverbs 16:23.
What is the importance of pleasant and persuasive speech in a believer's life?
Pleasant and persuasive speech is important for a believer because it promotes instruction, as stated in Proverbs 16:21, and can be a source of healing and comfort to others, as seen in Proverbs 16:24, and is a reflection of a heart that is filled with wisdom and love for God and others, as seen in Colossians 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that my heart is instructing my mouth, and are they pleasing to God?
- How can I cultivate wisdom in my heart so that my speech is more persuasive and pleasant?
- In what situations do I struggle to speak with wisdom and persuasiveness, and how can I seek God's help in those moments?
- What are some examples of pleasant and persuasive speech in my life, and how can I build on those strengths to glorify God?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. The heart of the wise teacheth (Hebrew, maketh intelligent - i:e., gives power of expression to) his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
Teacheth his mouth; directeth him what, and when, and how to speak, and keepeth him from speaking rashly and foolishly. Addeth learning to his lips, i.e. enableth him to speak learnedly and wisely. Or, increaseth learning (in himself and others) by (as this Hebrew particle oft signifies, and is by some rendered here) his lips, i.e. by his wise speeches; that this may agree with the latter clause of , where this same phrase is used.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.Ver. 23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth.] Frameth his speech for him, and seasoneth it with salt of grace, ere it sets it as a dish before the hearers. Nescit poeuitenda loqui qui proferenda prius suo tradidit examini, saith Cassiodore. He cannot lightly speak amiss that weighs his words before he utters them. The voice which is made in the mouth is nothing so melodious as that which comes from the depth of the breast Heart sprung speech hath weight and worth in it. And addeth learning to his lips.] By restraining talkativeness, and making him as willing to hear as to speak, to learn as to teach, to be an auditor as an orator. Lib. x. Ephesians 4:1-32.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
(23)Addeth learning to his lips.—His wisdom and learning do not remain hidden in his heart, but continually rise to his lips, like the waters of an everflowing fountain, for the instruction of others.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
Verse 23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth] He has a wise heart; he speaks as it dictates; and therefore his speeches are all speeches of wisdom.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
23. Teacheth his mouth — Makes it prudent, skilful, wise. Addeth learning, etc. — Increases the instruction upon his lips; that is, makes his discourse more edifying.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Message 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove |
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10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of |
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Ten Vital Evidences of True Salvation by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories that demonstrate the saving power of the Gospel. The first story recounts a time when the preacher was interrupted during h |
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Divine Enlargement and Spiritual Obedience by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches on the connection between God's precepts and promises, emphasizing the need for divine assistance to fulfill God's commands. He explains the significance of |
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The Prayer Book Services [1662] by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of a meticulous and heartfelt rendering of the Prayer Book Services by clergy, focusing on the requisites of good reading: Distinctne |
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Ashamed of Jesus? by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort challenges Christians to examine if they are truly unashamed of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of not just proclaiming Christ but also His words, which may bring suf |
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John Warburton by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the miraculous workings of the Lord in providence and grace, emphasizing that though visible miracles may have ceased, Jesus continues to perform wonders i |