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Proverbs 16:23
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
23 The heat of the wise maketh his mouth wise, And learning mounteth up to his lips. Regarding השׂכּיל as causative: to put into the possession of intelligence, vid., at Gen 3:6. Wisdom in the heart produceth intelligent discourse, and, as the parallel member expresses it, learning mounteth up to the lips, i.e., the learning which the man taketh into his lips (Pro 22:18; cf. Psa 16:4) to communicate it to others, for the contents of the learning, and the ability to communicate it, are measured by the wisdom of the heart of him who possesses it. One can also interpret הוסיף as extens. increasing: the heart of the wise increaseth, i.e., spreads abroad learning, but then בּשׂפתיו (Psa 119:13) would have been more suitable; על־שׂפתיו calls up the idea of learning as hovering on the lips, and thus brings so much nearer, for הוסיף, the meaning of the exaltation of its worth and impression.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth,.... That is, a man that is wise in heart, as in Pro 16:21; his heart will teach his mouth what to say, when to say it, and before whom; it will prompt him to matter, that he shall not be at a loss what to say, nor how to say; it will furnish him with words and things; out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, Mat 12:34; and addeth learning to his lips: so that he does not deliver out mere words, but solid learning along with them, instructive to himself and others. The Targum is, "and by his lips he addeth doctrine;'' or increases knowledge.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Solomon had commended eloquence, or the sweetness of the lips (Pro 16:21), and seemed to prefer it before wisdom; but here he corrects himself, as it were, and shows that unless there be a good treasure within to support the eloquence it is worth little. Wisdom in the heart is the main matter. 1. It is this that directs us in speaking, that teaches the mouth what to speak, and when, and how, so that what is spoken may be proper, and pertinent, and seasonable; otherwise, though the language be ever so fine, it had better be unsaid. 2. It is this that gives weight to what we speak and adds learning to it, strength of reason and force of argument, without which, let a thing be ever so well worded, it will be rejected, when it comes to be considered, as trifling. Quaint expressions please the ear, and humour the fancy, but it is learning in the lips that must convince the judgment, and sway that, to which wisdom in the heart is necessary.
Proverbs 16:23
The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. 23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
10 Vital Evidences of Salvation
By Keith Daniel1.6K1:27:16PSA 142:4PRO 11:30PRO 15:28PRO 16:23DAN 12:3ROM 1:162CO 5:20COL 1:27PHM 1:6HEB 9:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of the Holy Ghost's power when Christians passionately share the gospel, urging believers to be soul winners. The sermon shares personal testimonies of leading souls to Christ and the urgency of reaching the lost before it's too late. It also stresses the need for boldness, courage, and a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel, as well as the fear of standing before God empty-handed. The sermon concludes with the importance of being equipped by God to effectively reach the lost and the promise that those who turn many to righteousness will shine brightly.
Ten Vital Evidences of True Salvation
By Keith Daniel6591:29:13SalvationPRO 15:28PRO 16:23DAN 12:3MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 1:82TI 2:25In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories that demonstrate the saving power of the Gospel. The first story recounts a time when the preacher was interrupted during his sermon by a man who wanted to give his life to Christ. Despite the commotion, the man came forward and was embraced by the congregation in compassion. The second story involves a missionary who brings a little girl with long, white hair to the preacher. The girl had given her life to Christ and wanted to speak with him. She reveals that the preacher's testimony about his alcoholic father deeply resonated with her own family's struggles. These stories highlight the transformative impact of the Gospel and the urgency of seeking God's salvation.
The Prayer Book Services [1662]
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0PSA 119:130PRO 16:231CO 14:9COL 4:161TI 4:131PE 4:11W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of a meticulous and heartfelt rendering of the Prayer Book Services by clergy, focusing on the requisites of good reading: Distinctness, Intelligence, and Impressiveness. He warns against the dangers of slovenliness and monotony due to constant repetition, urging for proper care and regular practice to maintain spirituality. Griffith Thomas provides detailed suggestions and considerations for Morning and Evening Prayer, the Lessons, the Collects, the Litany, and the Holy Communion, highlighting the significance of proper pronunciation, emphasis, and pauses to convey the message effectively and reverently.
Ashamed of Jesus?
By Ray Comfort0PRO 16:23MAT 7:21MRK 8:38JHN 7:72TI 1:72TI 2:15REV 1:9REV 21:8Ray Comfort challenges Christians to examine if they are truly unashamed of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of not just proclaiming Christ but also His words, which may bring suffering for the gospel. The 'testimony of our Lord' refers to Jesus testifying against the evil works of the world, including the reality of hell. Comfort highlights the danger of being ashamed of Jesus and His words, leading to potential denial by Jesus Himself. He encourages believers to study and equip themselves for evangelism, emphasizing the need to overcome fear and faithfully share the gospel to save souls.
Divine Enlargement and Spiritual Obedience
By J.C. Philpot01SA 2:1PSA 18:36PSA 147:18PRO 16:23ISA 1:18JER 17:9LUK 24:45JHN 13:342TH 1:31JN 3:23Joseph Philpot preaches on the connection between God's precepts and promises, emphasizing the need for divine assistance to fulfill God's commands. He explains the significance of an enlarged heart in spiritually fulfilling God's precepts, contrasting it with a contracted heart that hinders obedience. Philpot delves into the various factors that can contract the heart, such as guilt, unbelief, darkness of mind, and deadness of feeling towards God. He highlights that only through the special work of God the Spirit can the heart be enlarged, leading to an expansion of understanding, conscience, affections, and every grace and fruit of the Spirit.
John Warburton
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 139:16PRO 16:23ROM 8:281CO 1:272CO 3:6J.C. Philpot reflects on the miraculous workings of the Lord in providence and grace, emphasizing that though visible miracles may have ceased, Jesus continues to perform wonders in the lives of believers. Through the life and death of Mr. Warburton, Philpot illustrates how God's providence and grace are evident in the intricate details of each individual's journey, leading to a deeper understanding of God's power and love. Despite Mr. Warburton's lack of formal education, his life exemplified the truth that God does not require human wisdom to accomplish His work, but rather a yielded heart and a willingness to be taught by the Lord.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
23 The heat of the wise maketh his mouth wise, And learning mounteth up to his lips. Regarding השׂכּיל as causative: to put into the possession of intelligence, vid., at Gen 3:6. Wisdom in the heart produceth intelligent discourse, and, as the parallel member expresses it, learning mounteth up to the lips, i.e., the learning which the man taketh into his lips (Pro 22:18; cf. Psa 16:4) to communicate it to others, for the contents of the learning, and the ability to communicate it, are measured by the wisdom of the heart of him who possesses it. One can also interpret הוסיף as extens. increasing: the heart of the wise increaseth, i.e., spreads abroad learning, but then בּשׂפתיו (Psa 119:13) would have been more suitable; על־שׂפתיו calls up the idea of learning as hovering on the lips, and thus brings so much nearer, for הוסיף, the meaning of the exaltation of its worth and impression.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth,.... That is, a man that is wise in heart, as in Pro 16:21; his heart will teach his mouth what to say, when to say it, and before whom; it will prompt him to matter, that he shall not be at a loss what to say, nor how to say; it will furnish him with words and things; out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, Mat 12:34; and addeth learning to his lips: so that he does not deliver out mere words, but solid learning along with them, instructive to himself and others. The Targum is, "and by his lips he addeth doctrine;'' or increases knowledge.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Solomon had commended eloquence, or the sweetness of the lips (Pro 16:21), and seemed to prefer it before wisdom; but here he corrects himself, as it were, and shows that unless there be a good treasure within to support the eloquence it is worth little. Wisdom in the heart is the main matter. 1. It is this that directs us in speaking, that teaches the mouth what to speak, and when, and how, so that what is spoken may be proper, and pertinent, and seasonable; otherwise, though the language be ever so fine, it had better be unsaid. 2. It is this that gives weight to what we speak and adds learning to it, strength of reason and force of argument, without which, let a thing be ever so well worded, it will be rejected, when it comes to be considered, as trifling. Quaint expressions please the ear, and humour the fancy, but it is learning in the lips that must convince the judgment, and sway that, to which wisdom in the heart is necessary.