What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:23? The heart of the wise man • The verse begins with the inner life. Scripture presents the heart as the control center of thought, motive, and will (Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life”). • Wisdom is lodged in that heart (Proverbs 14:33) and becomes the source of every outward word or deed (Luke 6:45). • Because the heart is surrendered to God, it is equipped to guide everything that follows. A wise heart is therefore not merely intellectual; it is spiritually aligned with God’s truth (Proverbs 1:7). Instructs his mouth • “Instructs” highlights intentionality. The wise do not speak on impulse; the heart actively teaches the tongue what to say. – Proverbs 15:2: “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.” – James 3:2 reminds that mastery over speech reveals spiritual maturity. – Proverbs 16:1 shows God’s sovereignty behind a rightly prepared reply. • Practical outworking: – Pause before speaking. – Filter words through Scripture already hidden in the heart (Psalm 119:11). – Aim to edify, never to tear down (Ephesians 4:29). Adds persuasiveness to his lips • Persuasiveness here is not manipulative but gracious and compelling because it rests on truth. – Proverbs 16:21: “Pleasant speech increases learning.” – Proverbs 25:15: “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” – Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” • Results of persuasive lips: – Truth is easier for listeners to receive. – Conflicts are diffused by calm, well-chosen words (Proverbs 15:1). – Gospel witness becomes winsome (1 Peter 3:15). summary Proverbs 16:23 shows the divine order: a heart filled with God’s wisdom produces deliberate, guided speech, which in turn becomes persuasive and fruitful. Guard the heart, let it train the tongue, and expect God to use your words for His glory and others’ good. |
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