Proverbs 16:21

NETBible

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

NIV ©

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

NASB ©

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

NLT ©

The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it’s well presented.

MSG ©

A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation.

BBE ©

The wise-hearted will be named men of good sense: and by pleasing words learning is increased.

NRSV ©

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

NKJV ©

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

KJV
The wise
<02450>
in heart
<03820>
shall be called
<07121> (8735)
prudent
<0995> (8737)_:
and the sweetness
<04986>
of the lips
<08193>
increaseth
<03254> (8686)
learning
<03948>_.
NASB ©
The wise
<2450>
in heart
<3820>
will be called
<7121>
understanding
<995>
, And sweetness
<4986>
of speech
<8193>
increases
<3254>
persuasiveness
<3948>
.
LXXM
touv
<3588> 
T-APM
sofouv
<4680> 
A-APM
kai
<2532> 
CONJ
sunetouv
<4908> 
A-APM
faulouv
<5337> 
A-APM
kalousin
<2564> 
V-PAI-3P
oi
<3588> 
T-NPM
de
<1161> 
PRT
glukeiv
<1099> 
A-NPM
en
<1722> 
PREP
logw
<3056> 
N-DSM
pleiona
<4183> 
A-ASM
akousontai
<191> 
V-FPI-3P
NET [draft] ITL
The one who is wise
<02450>
in heart
<03820>
is called
<07121>
discerning
<0995>
, and kind
<04986>
speech
<08193>
increases
<03254>
persuasiveness
<03948>
.
HEBREW
xql
<03948>
Pyoy
<03254>
Mytpv
<08193>
qtmw
<04986>
Nwbn
<0995>
arqy
<07121>
bl
<03820>
Mkxl (16:21)
<02450>
NETBible

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

NET Notes

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.”