King James Version

What Does Proverbs 16:23 Mean?

Proverbs 16:23 in the King James Version says “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. teacheth: Heb. maketh wise” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. teacheth: Heb. maketh wise”

Proverbs 16:23 · KJV

Context

21

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. teacheth: Heb. maketh wise

24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb , sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Read Proverbs 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Lev chakham yaskil pihu (לֵב חָכָם יַשְׂכִּיל פִּיהוּ, the heart of the wise teaches his mouth). The wise person's heart instructs their speech. Ve'al-sefataiv yosif leqach (וְעַל־שְׂפָתָיו יֹסִיף לֶקַח, and to his lips adds persuasiveness). Wisdom from the heart produces effective, persuasive speech. The proverb teaches inside-out transformation—wise hearts produce wise words. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from the heart's overflow (Luke 6:45). Transformed hearts produce transformed speech.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom emphasized heart-to-mouth connection. Rote memorization without heart transformation produced empty words. True wisdom began in the heart (fear of the LORD) and flowed naturally into speech. Jeremiah contrasted superficial words with heart circumcision (Jeremiah 4:4, 9:25-26). Jesus condemned Pharisees' heart problem manifesting in hypocritical speech (Matthew 15:7-9, 23:25-28). Paul taught that faith comes from the heart and confession from the mouth (Romans 10:9-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your speech reflect wisdom from a transformed heart or clever words from unchanged character?
  2. In what ways is your heart 'teaching your mouth'—for good or ill?
  3. How does the gospel transform hearts, naturally producing gospel-saturated, wisdom-filled speech?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֵ֣ב1 of 8

“The heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

חָ֭כָם2 of 8

“of the wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

יַשְׂכִּ֣יל3 of 8

“teacheth”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

פִּ֑יהוּ4 of 8

“his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וְעַל5 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו6 of 8

“to his lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

יֹסִ֥יף7 of 8

“and addeth”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לֶֽקַח׃8 of 8

“learning”

H3948

properly, something received, i.e., (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inve

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 16:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 16:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 15:28Matthew 12:34-35Proverbs 22:17-18Colossians 3:16Psalms 37:30-31Psalms 45:1

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Proverbs 16 with CommentaryAll Proverbs ChaptersComplete Proverbs QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes