21 The wise of heart is called a man of discernment, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it, but folly is the chastisement of fools.
23 The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
26 A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.
27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. 30 He who winks his eyes plans perverse things, he who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 A hoary head is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord.
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.