Proverbs 16:21 nasb — The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

NASB

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

— Proverbs 16:21, NASB

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Proverbs 16:21 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

Proverbs 16 — Context

18

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

19

It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20

He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21

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

22

Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.

23

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 16:21 say?
Proverbs 16:21 in the NASB reads: “The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.”
Where is Proverbs 16:21 in the Bible?
Proverbs 16:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 16, verse 21.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 16:21.
What translation should I read Proverbs 16:21 in?
Proverbs 16:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 16:21?
Proverbs 16:21 reads (NASB): “The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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