Proverbs 16:23

Modern

The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Traditional

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

Literal

The heart of the wise causes his mouth to act wisely, and upon his lips he increases learning.

Latin

Cor sapientis erudiet os ejus, et labiis ejus addet gratiam.

Hebrew

English

The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
Matthew 12:34–35
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Proverbs 22:17–18
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge—
Psalm 45:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
Psalm 37:30–31
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.