Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ב
The heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
The heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יַשְׂכִּ֣יל
teacheth
H7919
יַשְׂכִּ֣יל
teacheth
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
3 of 8
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
פִּ֑יהוּ
his mouth
H6310
פִּ֑יהוּ
his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
to his lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
to his 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.)
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom emphasized heart-to-mouth connection. Rote memorization without heart transformation produced empty words. True wisdom began in the heart (fear of the LORD) and flowed naturally into speech. Jeremiah contrasted superficial words with heart circumcision (Jeremiah 4:4, 9:25-26). Jesus condemned Pharisees' heart problem manifesting in hypocritical speech (Matthew 15:7-9, 23:25-28). Paul taught that faith comes from the heart and confession from the mouth (Romans 10:9-10).
Questions for Reflection
- Does your speech reflect wisdom from a transformed heart or clever words from unchanged character?
- In what ways is your heart 'teaching your mouth'—for good or ill?
- How does the gospel transform hearts, naturally producing gospel-saturated, wisdom-filled speech?
Analysis & Commentary
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Lev chakham yaskil pihu (לֵב חָכָם יַשְׂכִּיל פִּיהוּ, the heart of the wise teaches his mouth). The wise person's heart instructs their speech. Ve'al-sefataiv yosif leqach (וְעַל־שְׂפָתָיו יֹסִיף לֶקַח, and to his lips adds persuasiveness). Wisdom from the heart produces effective, persuasive speech. The proverb teaches inside-out transformation—wise hearts produce wise words. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from the heart's overflow (Luke 6:45). Transformed hearts produce transformed speech.