Proverbs 16:21

In 11 translations

BSB

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

KJV

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

WEB

The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

ASV

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

LSV

For the wise in heart is called intelligent, || And sweetness of lips increases learning.

YLT

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

DBY

The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

DRC

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and he that is sweet in words shall attain to greater things.

GNV

The wise in heart shall bee called prudent: and the sweetenesse of the lippes shall increase doctrine.

JPS

The wise in heart is called a man of discernment; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

LXXE

Men call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.

Word by word Hebrew · tap a word

Words in brackets are English the glossers added; the Hebrew has no word for them, and they can carry a choice of tense or meaning.

Original-language editions

WLC

לַחֲכַם־לֵ֭ב יִקָּרֵ֣א נָב֑וֹן וּמֶ֥תֶק שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם יֹסִ֥יף לֶֽקַח׃

LXX-Br

Τοὺς σοφοὺς καὶ συνετοὺς φαύλους καλοῦσιν, οἱ δὲ γλυκεῖς ἐν λόγῳ πλείονα ἀκούσονται.

In the reference works topics that cite this verse

From public-domain Bible dictionaries and topical indexes (1884–1915).

Cross-references most cited first

• Proverbs 16:23–24The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
• 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.
• Proverbs 15:7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
• Proverbs 27:9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
• 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.
• John 7:46“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.
• 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.
• Ecclesiastes 12:10The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth.
• 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.
• Proverbs 10:8A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.
• Psalms 45:2You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever.
• Proverbs 23:15My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.
• 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.

From the OpenBible.info cross-reference set (votes from readers; not every link is a quotation or allusion).