21 The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.
23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25 Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death.
26 The appetite of workers works for them; their hunger urges them on.
27 Scoundrels concoct evil, and their speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 The violent entice their neighbors, and lead them in a way that is not good. 30 One who winks the eyes plans perverse things; one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the Lord's alone.
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.