proverbs-16:23-24

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

Solomon had commended eloquence, or the sweetness of the lips (Prov. 16:21), and seemed to prefer it before wisdom; but here he corrects himself, as it were, and shows that unless there be a good treasure within to support the eloquence it is worth little. Wisdom in the heart is the main matter. 1. It is this that directs us in speaking, that teaches the mouth 3a8f what to speak, and when, and how, so that what is spoken may be proper, and pertinent, and seasonable; otherwise, though the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

The pleasant words here commended must be those which the heart of the wise teaches, and adds learning to (Prov. 16:23), words of seasonable advice, instruction, and comfort, words taken from God's word, for that is it which Solomon had learned from his father to account sweeter than honey and the honey-comb, Ps. 19:10. These words, to those that know how to relish them, 1. Are pleasant. They are like the honey-comb, sweet to the soul, which tastes in them that the Lord is gracious; nothing... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth ,.... That is, a man that is wise in heart, as in Proverbs 16:21 ; his heart will teach his mouth what to say, when to say it, and before whom; it will prompt him to matter, that he shall not be at a loss what to say, nor how to say; it will furnish him with words and things; out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, Matthew 12:34 ; and addeth learning to his lips : so that he does not deliver out mere words, but solid learning... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb ,.... Jarchi interprets it of the words of the law; but it may be much better understood of the doctrines of the Gospel; such as the doctrines of God's everlasting love, eternal election, the covenant of grace, the person of Christ as God-man; of peace and reconciliation by his blood; of remission of sins through his atoning sacrifice; of justification by his righteousness; of life and salvation by his obedience, sufferings, and death; all the doctrines... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:23

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth - He has a wise heart; he speaks as it dictates; and therefore his speeches are all speeches of wisdom. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as a honey-comb - The honey of which is sweeter than that which has been expressed from it, and has a much finer flavour before it has come in contact with the atmospheric air. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:16-26

The Divine justice in respect to the wise and fools We see the moral order of God revealed in the character and life of men in various ways. Their conduct has a good or evil effect on themselves, on their fellows, and is exposed to Divine judgment. Let us take these in their order. I. THE REFLEXIVE EFFECT OF MAN 'S CONDUCT . 1 . Wisdom is enriching ( Proverbs 16:16 ). To acquire it is better than ordinary wealth ( Proverbs 3:14 ; Proverbs 8:10 , Proverbs 8:11 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth. Out of the abundance of his heart the wise man speaks; the spirit within him finds fit utterance. Pectus est quod disertos facit. The thought and mind control the outward expression and make it eloquent and persuasive (comp. Proverbs 15:2 ). And addeth learning to his lips; Vulgate, "addeth grace." But lekach, which means properly "reception," "taking in," is best rendered "learning," as in Proverbs 16:21 ; Proverbs 1:5 , etc. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb . "Pleasant words" are words of comforting, soothing tendency, as in Proverbs 15:26 ; Psalms 19:10 . The writer continues his praise of apt speech. The comparison with honey is common in all languages and at all times. Thus Homer sings of Nestor ('Iliad,' 1.248, etc.)— "The smooth-tongued chief, from whose persuasive lips Sweeter than honey flowed the stream of speech." (Derby.) So the story goes that on the lips of St. Ambrose, while still a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words I. PLEASANT WORDS ARE GOOD IN SOCIAL INTERCOURSE . They are said to cost little, while they are worth much. But often they are not to be had without trouble. 1 . Sympathy. We must put ourselves to the trouble of entering into our brother's feelings if we would speak with real kindness to him. 2 . Self-suppression. Angry words may be the first to rise to our lips; bitter words of scorn or melancholy words springing from the gloom of our own minds may... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:16-26

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

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