Proverbs 16:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The heart {H3820} of the wise {H2450} teacheth {H7919} his mouth {H6310}, and addeth {H3254} learning {H3948} to his lips {H8193}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wise man's heart teaches his mouth, and to his lips it adds learning.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 16:23 profoundly articulates the intrinsic connection between a person's inner wisdom and their outward communication. It posits that a truly discerning and intelligent heart is the wellspring from which wise and instructive speech flows, thereby enriching the words spoken and imparting valuable insight to those who hear. This verse underscores the intentionality and discipline required for speech that is not merely articulate but also edifying and reflective of a deep, cultivated understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 16:23 is situated within a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (chapters 10-22), which often present antithetical or synonymous parallels to highlight the contrast between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. This particular verse falls within a section that frequently addresses the themes of speech, the tongue, and the heart's influence on one's destiny. It builds upon the idea that the Lord directs one's steps (cf. [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")) and that the heart's intentions are weighed by God (cf. [Proverbs 16:2](/proverbs/16-2 "Proverbs 16:2 - The Lord Weighs the Heart")). The preceding verses often discuss the value of wisdom and its protective qualities, making this verse a natural progression that focuses on wisdom's practical manifestation in communication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, placed a high value on oral tradition and the spoken word. Wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, was a primary means of moral and ethical instruction, often passed down from elders to younger generations. The "heart" (Hebrew: *lêb*) in this context refers not merely to the seat of emotion but to the core of one's being—the intellect, will, conscience, and moral center. Thus, a "wise heart" implies a person whose entire inner being is aligned with divine wisdom and discernment. Speech was seen as a powerful tool, capable of building up or tearing down, and therefore, its proper use was a consistent theme in wisdom teachings (cf. [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")).
* **Key Themes:** This proverb is rich with several interconnected themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **the centrality of the heart** as the source of all outward expression, particularly speech. It suggests that true wisdom is an internal quality that profoundly shapes external behavior. Secondly, it highlights the **purposeful nature of wise communication**. The wise person's words are not accidental or impulsive but are "taught" and "added" with intention, implying a deliberate and disciplined approach to speaking. Thirdly, it underscores the **edifying and instructive quality of wise speech**. The "learning" (Hebrew: *leqach*) imparted by the wise is not just information but insight and doctrine that benefits the hearer, aligning with the broader purpose of the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs - The Purpose of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions but also intellect, will, and moral decision-making. In biblical thought, the heart is the control center of one's life, the source from which thoughts, intentions, and actions originate. A "wise heart" is therefore a mind and will that is discerning, understanding, and aligned with divine truth.
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This adjective describes someone who possesses practical skill, intelligence, and discernment. It signifies not just intellectual knowledge but the ability to apply that knowledge effectively in life, leading to prudent and skillful action. When applied to the heart, it denotes an inner state of sound judgment and insight that governs one's entire being.
* **Teacheth (Hebrew, _sâkal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be circumspect" or "to be intelligent," this verb implies instructing, making skillful, or causing to understand. It suggests that the wise heart actively guides and informs the mouth, enabling it to speak with prudence, insight, and effectiveness. It's not just a passive influence but an active impartation of understanding.
* **Addeth (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** This verb means "to add" or "to augment," often with the sense of continuing or increasing something. In this context, it indicates that the wise heart not only directs the mouth but also continuously enhances its capacity to deliver valuable instruction. It implies an ongoing process of enriching communication with deeper insights and beneficial content.
* **Learning (Hebrew, _leqach'_):** This noun refers to something received, specifically instruction, doctrine, or insightful teaching. It highlights the beneficial and edifying nature of the speech that flows from a wise heart. The words spoken are not empty rhetoric but convey valuable wisdom and understanding, contributing to the hearer's knowledge and discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth":** This clause establishes the internal origin of wise speech. The "heart of the wise," representing the core of a discerning and intelligent person, acts as the instructor or guide for their "mouth." This implies that truly wise communication is not spontaneous or accidental but is a deliberate outflow of an inner state of wisdom, thought, and understanding. The mouth, as the organ of speech, is depicted as being under the disciplined tutelage of the heart.
* **"and addeth learning to his lips":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and expanding upon the first. "Addeth learning" suggests that the wise heart not only directs the mouth but also continuously enriches the content of what is spoken. The "lips," another metonymy for speech, are imbued with "learning," which refers to instruction, doctrine, or insightful teaching. This signifies that the words of the wise are not just prudent but are also edifying, instructive, and beneficial, imparting valuable knowledge and understanding to others.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 16:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is central to its structure, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("and addeth learning to his lips") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first half ("The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth"). Both clauses emphasize the direct link between inner wisdom and outward speech. **Metonymy** is also evident, as "mouth" and "lips" stand in for the act of speaking or the words themselves, while "heart" represents the entire inner person—intellect, will, and emotions. This use of metonymy vividly illustrates that the quality of one's speech is a direct reflection of their internal character and cultivated wisdom. The verse also implicitly uses **personification**, as the "heart" is depicted as an active agent that "teaches" and "adds," giving it a dynamic role in shaping communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 16:23 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human communication, asserting that true wisdom in speech originates from a deeply cultivated inner life. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of all life's issues, including one's words and actions. It teaches that superficial eloquence is insufficient; genuine, edifying speech is a direct manifestation of a heart that has been disciplined, discerning, and filled with divine understanding. This principle underscores the importance of internal transformation as a prerequisite for external impact, particularly in the realm of communication.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")
* [James 3:2](/james/3-2 "James 3:2 - Controlling the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 16:23 is a timeless challenge to cultivate not just eloquent speech, but genuinely wise communication rooted in a discerning heart. In an age saturated with information and rapid-fire communication, this verse calls us to pause and consider the source of our words. It reminds us that our speech is a direct reflection of our inner world—our thoughts, values, and understanding. To "teach our mouth" and "add learning to our lips" requires intentional spiritual and intellectual discipline, a commitment to filling our hearts with truth, wisdom, and discernment. This means actively engaging with God's Word, seeking His wisdom through prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our inner being. When our hearts are saturated with divine wisdom, our words will naturally become a source of instruction, encouragement, and insight for others, reflecting the character of Christ within us. This proverb encourages us to be conduits of grace and truth, using our words to build up, not tear down, and to impart genuine understanding rather than empty rhetoric.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the quality of my speech reflect the condition of my heart?**
* **What disciplines can I cultivate to ensure my heart is being "taught" by wisdom, leading to more edifying communication?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally "add learning" to my words, making them more insightful and beneficial to those who hear them?**
* **Am I more concerned with *what* I say, or *why* I say it, and from *where* my words originate?**

### FAQ
**What does "the heart of the wise teacheth his mouth" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that a person's inner wisdom, discernment, and understanding (their "heart") actively guides and instructs their speech (their "mouth"). It implies that wise words are not accidental or impulsive, but rather a deliberate and disciplined outflow of a cultivated inner life. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of intellect, will, and emotion, so a "wise heart" is one that thinks prudently, makes sound judgments, and is rooted in truth. This inner wisdom then shapes and controls what is spoken, ensuring that the words are thoughtful, appropriate, and beneficial. It aligns with the principle found in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - Good and Evil from the Heart") that "out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

**How does "addeth learning to his lips" relate to the first part of the verse?**

Answer: The second part of the verse, "and addeth learning to his lips," functions as a synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and expanding on the first. It means that the wise heart not only instructs the mouth on *how* to speak but also enriches the *content* of what is spoken. "Learning" (Hebrew: *leqach*) refers to instruction, doctrine, or insightful teaching. So, the wise person's words are not just prudent but also convey valuable wisdom, understanding, and edification to others. It suggests that their speech is a continuous source of insight and beneficial instruction, always seeking to impart knowledge and discernment, as opposed to idle chatter or foolishness (cf. [Proverbs 15:2](/proverbs/15-2 "Proverbs 15:2 - The Mouth of Fools")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 16:23 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, the very Word made flesh (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His heart, perfectly aligned with the Father's will, flawlessly "taught His mouth" and "added learning to His lips." Every word Jesus spoke—whether teaching the multitudes on the [Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), rebuking the Pharisees (cf. [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), or comforting His disciples (cf. [John 14](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus Comforts His Disciples"))—was saturated with unparalleled wisdom, grace, and truth. His speech was never impulsive or empty; it always conveyed profound "learning" and divine instruction, revealing the Father and bringing life to those who heard (cf. [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). As believers, we are called to have the mind of Christ (cf. [Philippians 2:5](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5 - Have the Mind of Christ")), allowing His wisdom to transform our hearts so that our words, too, may become a source of grace and truth, reflecting Him who is Wisdom incarnate (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:28

¶ The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Matthew 12:35

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Proverbs 22:17

¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Proverbs 22:18

For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Psalms 37:30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.