21 A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation.
22 True intelligence is a spring of fresh water, while fools sweat it out the hard way.
23 They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases.
24 Gracious speech is like clover honey - good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.
25 There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again - it leads straight to hell.
26 Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder.
27 Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn. 28 Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.
29 Calloused climbers betray their very own friends; they'd stab their own grandmothers in the back. 30 A shifty eye betrays an evil intention; a clenched jaw signals trouble ahead.
31 Gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life.
32 Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power.
33 Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 16:21-33
Commentary on Proverbs 16:21
(Read Proverbs 16:21)
The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
(Read Proverbs 16:22)
As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
(Read Proverbs 16:23)
The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
(Read Proverbs 16:24)
The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
(Read Proverbs 16:25)
This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:26
(Read Proverbs 16:26)
We must labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:27-28
(Read Proverbs 16:27-28)
Ungodly men bestow more pains to do mischief than would be needful to do good. The whisperer separates friends: what a hateful, but how common a character!
Commentary on Proverbs 16:29-30
(Read Proverbs 16:29-30)
Some do all the mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the result.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:31
(Read Proverbs 16:31)
Old people especially should be found in the way of religion and godliness.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:32
(Read Proverbs 16:32)
To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:33
(Read Proverbs 16:33)
All the disposal of Providence concerning our affairs, we must look upon to be the determining what we referred to God; and we must be reconciled to them accordingly. Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God; for he knows what is good for them.