Proverbs 16:21

BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

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

What this verse means

A short, plain-language explanation of Proverbs 16:21 goes here — the kind of answer a reader (or an AI assistant) can quote in one breath. Original meaning coming soon.

Compare translations
BSBPD

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

Berean Standard Bible · Public Domain (CC0)
KJVPD

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

King James Version · Public Domain
ASVPD

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

American Standard Version · Public Domain
YLTPD

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

Young's Literal Translation · Public Domain
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Cross references

Other passages that echo Proverbs 16:21 — 15 related verses from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  1. 1 Kings 3:12behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.
  2. Psalms 45:2You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever.
  3. Proverbs 10:8A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.
  4. Proverbs 10:13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
  5. Proverbs 10:23The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
  6. Proverbs 15:7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
  7. Proverbs 16:23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
  8. Proverbs 23:15My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.
  9. Proverbs 27:9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
  10. Ecclesiastes 12:10The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth.
  11. Isaiah 50:4The 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.
  12. Luke 4:22All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.
  13. John 7:46“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.
  14. Romans 16:19Everyone 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.
  15. James 3:17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

Cross-reference data: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (public domain) via OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0).

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