Proverbs 16:21

The one who is wise in heart ¹  is called ²  discerning, and kind speech ³  increases persuasiveness. ⁴ 

1Ki 3:12; Ps 45:2; Pr 10:8; Pr 15:7; Pr 16:23; Pr 16:24; Pr 23:15; Pr 27:9; Ec 12:10; Isa 50:4; Lu 4:22; Joh 7:46; Ro 16:19; Jas 3:17

¹ tn Heb “wise of heart” (so NRSV).

² tn Heb “to the wise of heart it will be called discerning.” This means that the wise of heart, those who make wise decisions (“heart” being the metonymy), will gain a reputation of being the discerning ones.

³ tn Heb “sweetness of lips.” The term “lips” is a metonymy of cause, meaning what is said. It is a genitive of specification. The idea of “sweetness” must be gracious and friendly words. The teaching will be well-received because it is both delightful and persuasive (cf. NIV “pleasant words promote instruction”).

⁴ tn Heb “teaching” or “receptivity”; KJV “learning”; NIV “instruction.”