21 To the wise in heart is called, 'Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
22 A fountain of life 'is' understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
24 Sayings of pleasantness 'are' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
25 There is a way right before a man, And its latter end—ways of death.
26 A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused 'him' to bend over it.
27 A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips—as a burning fire. 28 A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good. 30 Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
31 A crown of beauty 'are' grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
32 Better 'is' the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
33 Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah 'is' all its judgment!
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.