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

biblegateway Pro 16:21

The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.

The person who is truly wise is called understanding, and speaking sweetly helps others learn.

biblegateway Pro 16:21

The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

bibleoremus Pro 16:21

The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

The sensible person seeks advice from the wise; persuasive speech increases learning.

biblegateway Pro 16:21

The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

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

biblegateway Pro 16:21

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

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.”