Proverbs 16:23 (NASBStr)
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Proverbs 16:23 (ESV)
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Truth: Wisdom in the heart produces persuasion on the lips
Solomon (and writers of Scripture in general) use the"heart of the wise", frequently (Solomon uses it four times, himself; see Proverbs 10:8; 16:21; 23:19). In this proverb Solomon is making a familiar connection: Mouth, Heart, Lips. The ingredients are familiar, as well: Wisdom, Instruction, Persuasion. When we have the fear of The Lord in our hearts, we will have instruction coming from our mouths, and that will produce fruit, persuasion, on our lips. Solomon is a product of this recipe. The Queen of Sheba came to Solomon seeking wisdom. Solomon let it role off his lips. Nebuchadnezzar came to Daniel seeking it. Daniel let what was in his heart (the fear of The Lord) roll of his tongue. Joseph spoke the wisdom of his heart to Pharaoh. If we wish to speak truth to our neighbor we need to have wisdom in our hearts. If we have wisdom in our hearts we can be assured we will provide truth to those who ask an answer about the hope that is in us. It all begins with the wisdom in our hearts. It WILL produce persuasive language that is worthy for our hearers to hear.
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