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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/20_Pro_16_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:23 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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the words of the wise are persuasive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The heart of the wise gives insight to his mouth And increases learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You can persuade others if you are wise and speak sensibly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A wise person's heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A wise person's thoughts control his words, and his speech promotes instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A wise person's heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise causes his mouth to act wisely, "" And he increases learning by his lips,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the wise shall attend to his mouth, and he shall add knowledge to his lips.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth: and shall add grace to his lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth and add grace to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise makes for eloquent speech, and increases the learning on their lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to their lips.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise understands the speech of his mouth and adds learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A wise heart knows the speech of its mouth and adds learning to its lips.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the wise will discern the <i>things which proceed</i> from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3216" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">The heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7919.htm" title="7919: yaś·kîl (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be, circumspect, intelligent. A primitive root; to be circumspect and hence, intelligent.">instructs</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">his mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: yō·sîp̄ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">and adds</a> <a href="/hebrew/3948.htm" title="3948: le·qaḥ (N-ms) -- A learning, teaching. From laqach; properly, something received, i.e. instruction; also inveiglement.">persuasiveness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘a·lś- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: p̄ā·ṯāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">his lips.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-35</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></span><br />The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31-32</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. / The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.</p><p class="hdg">heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></b></br> The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Proverbs 22:17,18</a></b></br> Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30,31</a></b></br> The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Act</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Adds</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Increaseth</a> <a href="/psalms/94-10.htm">Instructeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/psalms/25-8.htm">Instructs</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/daniel/1-20.htm">Judicious</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Persuasiveness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/psalms/119-102.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-13.htm">Teacheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-7.htm">Act</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">Adds</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Increaseth</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-11.htm">Instructeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-26.htm">Instructs</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/daniel/1-20.htm">Judicious</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-12.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-26.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Persuasiveness</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-15.htm">Teacheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The heart of the wise man</b><br>In biblical literature, the "heart" often represents the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Wisdom in the heart suggests a deep, internalized understanding of God's principles. This aligns with <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>, which emphasizes guarding the heart as it is the wellspring of life. The wise man's heart is shaped by a reverence for God, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.<p><b>instructs his mouth</b><br>The concept of the heart instructing the mouth highlights the importance of internal wisdom guiding external speech. This reflects the biblical principle that words are a reflection of one's inner state, as Jesus taught in <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." The wise man exercises self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>), ensuring that his words are thoughtful and edifying.<p><b>and adds persuasiveness to his lips.</b><br>Persuasiveness here implies the ability to communicate effectively and influence others positively. This is not mere rhetoric but is rooted in truth and integrity, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a>, where a gentle answer turns away wrath. The wise man's speech is seasoned with grace, as encouraged in <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a>, making it both compelling and constructive. This reflects the character of Christ, who spoke with authority and grace, drawing people to His message of salvation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man</a></b><br>Represents an individual who possesses wisdom, often characterized by a deep understanding and reverence for God. In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is closely associated with righteousness and the fear of the Lord.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/heart.htm">Heart</a></b><br>In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of one's inner life, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. It is the source of thoughts and intentions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mouth_and_lips.htm">Mouth and Lips</a></b><br>Symbolize communication and expression. The mouth and lips are the instruments through which one's inner wisdom or folly is revealed.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_wisdom.htm">The Source of Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom begins in the heart, which must be aligned with God's truth. A wise heart is cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and a relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Our words have the power to build up or tear down. A wise person uses their words to encourage, instruct, and bring peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/persuasiveness_in_communication.htm">Persuasiveness in Communication</a></b><br>Persuasiveness is not about manipulation but about speaking truth in love. It involves clarity, kindness, and a genuine concern for others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br>Since the heart instructs the mouth, it is crucial to guard our hearts against sin and fill them with God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_wisdom.htm">Practical Wisdom</a></b><br>Applying wisdom in daily life involves being intentional about our speech, ensuring it reflects the love and truth of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'overrighteous_overwise'_mean.htm">What does 'not be overrighteous or overwise' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fun.htm">What does the Bible say about fun and entertainment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_premarital_counseling_vital.htm">Is premarital counseling important for couples?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'foolishness'_defined_today.htm">Proverbs 9:6 urges abandoning foolishness to truly live. How can 'foolishness' be objectively defined or measured in a modern, evidence-based society?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23)<span class= "bld">Addeth learning to his lips.--</span>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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth.</span> Out of the abundance of his heart the wise man speaks; the spirit within him finds fit utterance. <span class="accented">Pectus est quod disertos facit.</span> The thought and mind control the outward expression and make it eloquent and persuasive (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And addeth learning to his lips;</span> Vulgate, "addeth grace." But <span class="accented">lekach</span>, which means properly "reception," "taking in," is best rendered "learning," as in ver. 21; <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a>, etc. The intellect and knowledge of the wise display themselves in their discourse. Delitzsch, "Learning mounteth up to his lips." Ecclus. 21:26, "The heart of fools is in their mouth; but the mouth of the wise is in their heart." Septuagint, "The heart of the wise will consider what proceedeth from his mouth; and on his lips he will carry prudence (<span class="greek">ἐπιγνωμοσύνην</span>)." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wise [man]</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֭כָם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">instructs</span><br /><span class="heb">יַשְׂכִּ֣יל</span> <span class="translit">(yaś·kîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7919.htm">Strong's 7919: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, circumspect, intelligent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֑יהוּ</span> <span class="translit">(pî·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and adds</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹסִ֥יף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·sîp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">persuasiveness</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶֽקַח׃</span> <span class="translit">(le·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3948.htm">Strong's 3948: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something received, instruction, inveiglement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘a·lś-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his lips.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·ṯāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>