Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֭ב
in heart
H3820
לֵ֭ב
in heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יִקָּרֵ֣א
shall be called
H7121
יִקָּרֵ֣א
shall be called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
נָב֑וֹן
prudent
H995
נָב֑וֹן
prudent
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם
of the lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם
of the lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Proverbs 15:7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.Proverbs 27:9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.John 7:46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.Luke 4:22And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
Historical Context
Ancient teachers' effectiveness depended on both content (wisdom) and delivery (pleasant speech). Harsh truth without grace alienated hearers. Empty pleasantries without wisdom wasted time. Effective instruction required both. Solomon demonstrated this combination in his wisdom writings. Jesus perfectly modeled it—full of grace and truth (John 1:14), speaking with authority yet attracting common people who heard Him gladly (Mark 12:37).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you have wisdom without pleasant delivery, or pleasant words without wisdom—or both?
- How can you cultivate both wise content and gracious communication in your teaching and conversations?
- What does 'sweetness of lips' that increases learning look like in gospel contexts (evangelism, discipleship, counseling)?
Analysis & Commentary
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Lachakham-lev yiqqare navon (לַחֲכַם־לֵב יִקָּרֵא נָבוֹן, to the wise in heart will be called discerning). Wisdom earns a reputation for discernment. Umetoq sefatayim yosif leqach (וּמֶתֶק שְׂפָתַיִם יֹסִיף לֶקַח, and sweetness of lips adds learning). Metoq (מֶתֶק, sweetness) in speech increases (yasaf, יָסַף, add, increase) leqach (לֶקַח, learning, instruction, persuasiveness). Wise hearts and pleasant speech combine to maximize influence and teaching effectiveness. Believers should speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), combining sound doctrine with gracious delivery (Colossians 4:6).